The Hungarian government has recently unveiled a comprehensive five-point Transport Action Plan designed to modernize the country’s rail system and enhance passenger services while driving the green transition. This ambitious plan, set to launch in 2025, represents a significant investment in the nation’s infrastructure and aligns closely with the European Green Deal’s climate goals.
Key Components of the Transport Action Plan
The action plan is structured around five core areas:
- Guaranteeing Passenger Rights: Ensuring that the rights and experiences of passengers are protected and prioritized.
- Railway Infrastructure Development: A substantial investment in building and upgrading rail lines to enhance service reliability.
- Rolling Stock Modernization: Purchasing new trains and improving existing fleets for greater efficiency and passenger comfort.
- Improving Passenger Comfort: Enhancing amenities and services on trains and at stations to improve overall travel experience.
- Reorganizing MÁV Zrt. (Hungarian State Railway): Streamlining operations and restructuring the organization into a more efficient and responsive company.
János Lázár, Minister of Construction and Transport, emphasized that half of Hungary’s 6,500 kilometers of railway tracks currently face speed limitations due to outdated infrastructure. The new action plan seeks to address this issue by launching a complex rail track renewal and development program valued at over EUR 2 billion. To fund this initiative, the government plans to secure a EUR 1 billion loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB) and match it with an additional EUR 1 billion in state resources.
Advancing Hungary’s Green Transition
The Transport Action Plan is not just about improving service quality—it’s also about contributing to the broader European Green Deal, which aims to achieve a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from transport by 2050. Rail transport, being one of the least carbon-intensive modes of transportation, plays a crucial role in this transition.
Electrified rail lines are central to Hungary’s green strategy. While the Central Hungary and Western Transdanubia regions already boast high shares of electrified railways, with 87% and 71% respectively, other regions like the Southern Great Plain and Northern Great Plain still lag behind, with only 26% and 28% electrification. Expanding electrified rail networks, particularly in underdeveloped regions, will be key to reducing emissions and improving connectivity across the country.
The Hungarian Central Statistical Office (KSH) highlights that 40.7% of Hungary’s rail lines were electrified in 2022, a figure that lags behind many European counterparts. In contrast, Switzerland (99.8%) and Luxembourg (96.7%) lead in rail electrification, while neighboring Austria has achieved 72% electrification. Through this new action plan, Hungary aims to close this gap and align itself more closely with regional leaders in rail sustainability.
VURDHAAN’s Role in Supporting Rail Sustainability
At VURDHAAN, we recognize the significance of rail transport in driving sustainable development and decarbonization across Europe. Our consultancy specializes in helping organizations navigate regulatory frameworks like the European Green Deal while implementing initiatives that enhance environmental performance. We offer strategic guidance on areas like the Railway Noise Directive, the UIC Sustainability Charter, and green rail programs that align with Hungary’s ambitious goals.
Through our tailored support, education, and implementation services, VURDHAAN empowers stakeholders in the rail sector to adopt sustainable practices, improve ESG performance, and leverage green technologies. As Hungary embarks on this transformative journey to modernize its transport infrastructure, VURDHAAN remains committed to partnering with rail operators, infrastructure managers, and policymakers to ensure that these investments deliver long-lasting environmental and social benefits.
A Greener, More Connected Future
Hungary’s Transport Action Plan represents a decisive step toward a more efficient and sustainable rail network. By prioritizing the development of electrified rail lines, modernizing infrastructure, and enhancing passenger services, Hungary is positioning itself as a key player in Europe’s green transition. This initiative not only supports national and EU climate goals but also sets the foundation for a more connected and environmentally responsible future.
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