Hungary launches Baross plan worth EUR 9.8 billion for rail

The programme comprises measures worth HUF 3,550 billion (about EUR 9.8 billion), mostly EU money: HUF 1,800 billion of secured grants, HUF 950 billion of commitments for the 2028–2034 EU cycle, an EIB loan of HUF 400 billion and a further HUF 400 billion from concession-based sources. Plans include 35 new InterCity trains, 42 suburban trains for the HÉV lines, planning for the renewal of the ten busiest stations and line upgrades such as Budapest–Miskolc and Budapest–Szeged for 160 km/h.

Hungary's government launched the Baross Gábor Railway Development Plan on 22 July 2026, a ten-year programme that is meant to modernise rail transport with HUF 3,550 billion (about EUR 9.8 billion), mostly from EU funds. The total comprises HUF 1,800 billion of secured grants, HUF 950 billion of commitments for project starts in the 2028–2034 EU cycle, an EIB loan of HUF 400 billion and a further HUF 400 billion from concession-based sources. It provides for 35 new InterCity trains, 42 suburban trains for the HÉV lines to Szentendre, Csepel and Ráckeve, a complete renovation of the worst-maintained section of the Budapest–Miskolc line, the modernisation of Budapest–Szeged for 160 km/h and the reopening of closed branch lines. (LOK Report, 28 Jul 2026)