Hungary's rail fleet averages 42 years, the oldest in Europe

Hungary’s railway rolling stock has an average age of 42 years, the highest among European countries. Analysts note that Romania's fleet averages 32 years, Poland 25, Slovakia 22 and the Czech Republic 20. The minister attributed the ageing fleet to the long‑standing “Lázár rail demolition” policy, which halted vehicle procurement for years, causing a decade‑long lag in modernization.

The government says that newly released EU funds – €1.8 billion – will be used to purchase new commuter‑carriage units and 35‑car motor trains, a step that could significantly lower the average age and improve the reliability and competitiveness of Hungarian rail services.