Hungarian railway green space management reform

Hungarian railway operators are implementing new strategies to modernize the management of vegetation along tracks and stations. Following a controversial tree-cutting incident in Zugló that prompted a professional review of current practices, the Hungarian State Railways (MÁV) began seeking a chief landscape architect. This initiative aims to transition from traditional methods, such as chainsaw clearing, toward treating green areas as ecological assets rather than mere safety risks.

Minister of Transport and Investment Dávid Vitézy stated the goal is to evaluate whether decades-old regulations, such as strict buffer zones near electrified lines, remain justified. The objective is to harmonize railway safety with nature conservation, urban planning, and climate protection.

Following MÁV’s recruitment efforts, GYSEV—which recently expanded its operations to include approximately 16 percent of the Hungarian rail network—also announced a search for a Chief Landscape Architect. This role will focus on ensuring that existing regulations align with modern ecological standards without compromising rail safety.