The Hungarian government is considering purchasing 100 new trains from China as part of a broader package of measures to renew the rolling stock of the MÁV-Volán group and support the revival of rail traffic, especially on the main lines. The announcement was made by the Minister of Construction and Transport, János Lázár, at a press conference reported by 444.hu.
In a context marked by the significant wear and tear of the existing infrastructure and fleet, Lázár indicated that the Hungarian state is preparing a mix of solutions for the modernization of rail transport. In addition to infrastructure investments, the focus is on rolling stock, where the need for replacement and supplementation is considered urgent.
The minister recalled that at the end of last year, MÁV purchased 93 second-hand electric multiple units from Switzerland, with a total value of EUR230 million. The vehicles, which are 15–20 years old, are to be modernized and will be used mainly for suburban and regional services around the cities of Nyíregyháza, Debrecen, and Miskolc.
At the same time, the government is considering a much larger purchase of 100 new trains from China to cover medium- and long-term needs. According to 444.hu, the minister did not go into detail about the exact type of rolling stock, the delivery schedule, or the value of the contract, but confirmed that discussions with the Chinese side are ongoing.
Railway fleet under pressure
The procurement announcements come at a time when the condition of the network and fleet is a major challenge for the national operator. Of Hungary’s approximately 8,500 km of railway, about 3,000 km are considered to be in poor technical condition. Although 1,800 km have been modernized since 2010, the authorities acknowledge that the pace needs to be accelerated.
On the operational side, the data presented at the conference show a record increase in demand: in 2025, the MÁV-Volán group recorded 1.1 billion journeys, and season ticket sales reached 25.2 million. This development puts additional pressure on an aging fleet, where delays and lack of comfort remain sensitive issues.
Budapest–Belgrade connection close to reopening
Another major rail topic addressed by Lázár was the Budapest–Belgrade line, which has been modernized in recent years. The minister announced that freight traffic on the Hungarian section is set to reopen on February 27, and passenger services are scheduled to start by March 15, after testing and certification procedures are completed.
Serbian operator Srbija Voz plans to introduce CRRC Changchun multiple units, built in China, on this route. In order to accommodate these trains, MÁV has begun work on adapting the infrastructure at Budapest Keleti station, where two platforms are being raised by 250 mm, an investment estimated at 300 million forints.
100 trains from China: a strategic signal
The plan to purchase 100 new trains from China should be viewed in this broader context: growing demand, partially modernized infrastructure, and a rolling stock fleet in need of accelerated renewal.
Although essential details are still missing—the type of trains, configuration, exact destination in the network, or financial conditions—the announcement indicates a clear orientation toward Asian suppliers at a time when the European rolling stock market is under severe strain.
For MÁV, the combination of modernized second-hand vehicles and new high-capacity trains could be the transitional solution needed to stabilize services and reduce pressure on daily operations. It remains to be seen how negotiations with the Chinese side will evolve and to what extent these purchases will materialize within a concrete timeline.
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