Hungary’s railway infrastructure manager will include HUF 60 billion (approx. EUR 155 million) from its own resources in its 2026 business plan for maintenance and renewals, in addition to the HUF 800 billion (approx. EUR 2.07 billion) earmarked for infrastructure development through joint funding by the Hungarian state and the European Investment Bank (EIB).
Among the confirmed projects:
- Budapest Western Railway–Kőbánya-Kispest: Structure renewal works and replacement of 10 turnout groups at Kőbánya-Teher and Kőbánya-Kispest stations. Speed restrictions of 40–60 km/h on this section are to be lifted, with line speed restored to 80 km/h, impacting services toward Cegléd, Lajosmizse, Szeged, and Nyíregyháza.
- Network-wide turnout replacements: Approximately 40 turnout groups will be replaced at selected stations and lines with high traffic volume. Agreed locations include Budapest-Kelenföld, Rákospalota-Újpest, Kőbánya-Kispest, Debrecen, Maglód, Jászapáti, Herceghalom, and Biatorbágy. These works are aimed at removing speed restrictions linked to aged infrastructure components.
- Miskolc–Nyíregyháza: The section between Mezőzombor and Nyíregyháza is scheduled for bridge refurbishment, ballast replacement, long rail installation, and trackbed reconstruction. The objective is to remove existing speed restrictions and allow maximum speeds of up to 120 km/h.
- Gyékényes–Berzence: A 15 km segment on Line 60 will undergo renewal including installation of 10,000 new concrete sleepers and continuous welded rail, full ballast cleaning, and regulation. The original 80 km/h line speed is to be reinstated. This sub-project has a budget of HUF 3 billion (approx. EUR 7.8 million).
- Line 1 signalling repairs: A three-year programme will begin to address delays caused by signalling equipment faults. In 2026, insulation and key components will be replaced, with additional works planned on outdoor cabling.
- 160 km/h sections: Maintenance interventions are also planned on main lines currently built for 160 km/h operation. Works will be carried out to retain this speed level, and preparations will be made to enable 160 km/h operations from 2027 on the Szajol–Lőkösháza line.
The 2026 infrastructure programme is focused on removing long-standing speed restrictions, improving operational reliability, and maintaining safety standards.