ÖBB Rail Cargo Group has announced a significant reduction in transit times on the TransFER Budapest–Balkans route following the reopening of the Kelebia–Subotica rail border crossing between Hungary and Serbia. This section – a key link for freight transport connecting Budapest with the Balkans and Southeast Europe – resumed operations in late February after the completion of a multi-year modernization project on the Budapest–Kelebia–Belgrade line.
With the restoration of the direct route via Kelebia, RCG has discontinued the detour via Röszke–Horgos, which had been used during construction and caused capacity constraints and border delays. The company now consolidates individual wagons and wagon groups from Northern, Western, and Central Europe at the Budapest-Ferencváros marshalling yard, forming block trains for onward shipment to Greece, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Turkey.
Shipments to Greece have seen the most notable improvement: delivery times have been cut by three to four days, bringing the total transit time to approximately five to six days – an increase in speed of nearly 40%. RCG notes that reverting to the standard route has streamlined logistics, eliminated the need for additional diesel locomotives at the border, and enhanced service reliability. In addition to transport, the company offers customers first- and last-mile services, transshipment, warehouse logistics, and customs clearance support.