Hungary's rail network faces funding shortfall and delayed upgrades

Transport Minister Vitézy Dávid warned that about 40% of Hungary's 5,900 km rail network is subject to speed restrictions, causing travel times to rise and frequent breakdowns. He announced a multi‑month maintenance programme on the Budapest‑Pécs main line, as well as sections between Rétszilas‑Dombóvár and Szerencs‑Nyíregyháza, funded with more than 4 billion forints from MÁV’s own resources. The minister stressed that EU funding is essential for building faster, more comfortable lines and for modernising the network.

Rail‑market analyst Feldmann Márton highlighted a sharp decline in the value of the 7,800‑km Hungarian rail system. The state‑owned MÁV's assets fell from 1,254 billion forints at the end of 2024 to an estimated 1,168 billion by year‑end 2025, partly due to the transfer of 752 km of track to GYSEV. Ongoing under‑investment means the network's current net value is comparable to only about 300 km of new double‑track line, while the cost of refurbishment per kilometre remains at 3‑5 billion forints. Annual funding for upgrades is limited to roughly 38 billion forints, insufficient to halt the deterioration of large sections of the system.