Hungary announced a national rail investment strategy worth HF3 550bn (€9.76bn) named the Gábor Baross Railway Development Plan, targeting delivery by 2035. The plan covers main line and urban rail upgrades across the country.
Political agreement secures EU funding for rail investment
The announcement follows a political agreement reached on May 29, 2026, between the Hungarian government and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, enabling access to EU funding streams contingent on reform commitments by August 31, 2026. This deal was enabled by the April 2026 general election defeat of the previous government.
New rolling stock and battery traction units planned
The investment includes procuring 35 double-deck electric multiple-units (EMUs) for inter-city services along key
routes and 42 EMUs to replace suburban train fleets on Budapest’s H5, H6, and H7 lines. An additional HF95bn is allocated for battery-electric multiple-units (BEMUs) and related charging infrastructure to be deployed on the Debrecen – Füzesabony, Sárbogárd – Szekszárd – Baja, and Hatvan – Salgótarján – Somoskőújfalu lines.
Comprehensive infrastructure upgrades and modernisation
The development plan prioritizes modernizing the national rail network focusing on Budapest – Nyugati, Nyugati – Esztergom, and Nyugati – Tatabánya sections, alongside reconstruction of Szolnok station and several stations near Lake Balaton. Budapest – Lajosmizse – Kecskemét will be rebuilt and electrified to enable continuous train operations without passenger transfers.
The Budapest – Veresegyház – Vác line will also be renewed, including a rebuild of Rákospalota-Újpest station with new overbridges.
The Budapest – Belgrade main line signaling system, supplied by China Railway Signal & Communication, is close to completion with expected full revenue service commissioning in September 2026 pending safety approval from TÜV, the notified body.
Metro Line M3 extension and enhancements to Budapest suburban rail
Metro Line M3 is planned to be extended by two stations from Újpest-központ to Rákospalota-Újpest by 2030, with the latter serving as a renovated terminus. The H5, H6, and H7 suburban rail lines, spanning 21 km, 40 km, and 6.7 km respectively, will see
infrastructure renewal by 2030 to accommodate new EMUs. Completion of the third stage of Budapest’s Southern Circle railway includes a flyover at Ferencváros yards and a new interchange station at Népliget connecting to metro Line M3.
At Déli pályaudvar terminus, modernization will entail rebuilding the Kelenföld tunnel to accommodate double-deck trains. Additionally, a new station at the crossing of the Budapest – Miskolc main line with Hungária körút will provide an interchange with tram Route 1.
Tram-train projects and suburban developments beyond Budapest
The Debrecen – Nyíregyháza main line is set for upgrade by 2030 to support speeds up to 160 km/h and to include two new
stations in Debrecen. Tram-train expansions will extend Debrecen’s tram Route 1 north and south using railway tracks and create a tram-train line linking Kazincbarcika to Tiszaújváros via Miskolc. Suburban rail developments serving Győr and Eger are also planned under the new rail investment strategy.
Government officials endorse comprehensive rail programme
Transport Minister Dávid Vitézy described the investment as the largest railway development programme in Hungary in 60 years and confirmed full financing is secured. Prime Minister Péter Magyar joined Vitézy in emphasizing that the programme represents a work order to deliver the planned rail improvements by 2035. Vitézy highlighted early priorities including establishing a national transport
authority for rail and coach services, launching digitalisation initiatives, upgrading electrical substations, and enhancing passenger information systems.
Passenger benefits expected from modernization
The investment plan aims to improve urban and regional rail connectivity with new rolling stock, upgraded infrastructure, and metro network extensions. New interchange stations like Népliget will facilitate transfers between suburban rail and metro lines. Tram-train projects will enable direct travel along rail corridors in the Debrecen and Miskolc regions, increasing service coverage and operational reliability on multiple routes.
