Budapest-Belgrade Trains by Spring? Hungary’s Section Could Open in February, Pending a Safety Audit

Hungary has announced that passenger services on its section of the Budapest-Belgrade railway line may commence in mid-February 2024, contingent upon the successful completion of a safety audit by the German TÜV.

Officials from Hungary’s Ministry of Innovation and Technology indicated that the audit is a critical step in ensuring the safety and reliability of the railway services. The TÜV audit is expected to assess various safety standards and operational protocols before granting approval.

The Budapest-Belgrade railway line is a significant infrastructure project aimed at enhancing connectivity between Hungary and Serbia. The project has been in development for several years, with substantial investments made to modernize the existing rail infrastructure.

Once operational, the railway line is expected to reduce travel times between Budapest and Belgrade, facilitating increased passenger and freight movement. The Hungarian government has emphasized the importance of this project for regional economic development and cross-border cooperation.

In addition to the safety audit, the Hungarian authorities are also working on finalizing the necessary operational procedures and staff training to ensure a smooth launch of the services.

Should the TÜV audit yield positive results, the Hungarian section of the Budapest-Belgrade line could be fully operational by the target date, with plans for further enhancements and expansions in the future.

source: railtech.com