High-speed test pushes Budapest-Belgrade line toward passenger service

The Budapest-Belgrade railway underwent its most extensive test to date, with trains operating on a simulated peak-hour schedule and hitting 160 km/h on the Hungarian segment. The trial, announced by Transport and Investment Minister Dávid Vitézy, ran overnight without passengers while engineers introduced various disruptions to assess system responses. The European Train Control System proved reliable, but the passenger information system fell short of required standards and must be upgraded before commercial launch.

State railway operator MÁV reiterated that no fixed political deadline exists and that passenger services will commence only after successful ETCS validation and safety inspections. Once operational, the line could cut travel time between the capitals from about eight hours to roughly three and a half, while also enabling more frequent suburban trains and boosting freight capacity.