Hungary Looks to China for New Trains as Passenger Demand Hits Record

Hungary is considering a large-scale renewal of its rail fleet, including the potential purchase of 100 new trains from China, as Transport Minister Lázár János indicated that his time in office may be nearing its end ahead of national elections.

Speaking at a wide-ranging briefing reported by 444.hu, Lázár said he would step back from day-to-day ministerial duties during the election campaign, leaving operational oversight to his deputy while retaining political responsibility. He added that a new government would form after the vote, making his continuation as minister uncertain.

Rolling Stock Renewal Moves Up the Agenda

According to RailwayPRO, the Hungarian government is exploring the purchase of 100 new trains from China as part of a broader effort to stabilize services on an aging network operated by the MÁV-Volán Group. Lázár said talks with the Chinese side were underway but did not provide details on train types, delivery schedules, or contract value.

The announcement follows the €230 million purchase of 93 second-hand electric multiple units from Switzerland at the end of last year. The 15–20-year-old trains are due to be refurbished and deployed mainly on suburban and regional routes around Nyíregyháza, Debrecen, and Miskolc, where fleet shortages have become acute.

Government data presented at the briefing shows why pressure is mounting. Of Hungary’s 8,500 km rail network, around 3,000 km is described as being in poor condition. While roughly 1,750–1,800 km has been modernised since 2010, demand has risen faster than capacity. In 2025, the MÁV-Volán group recorded 1.1 billion passenger journeys and sold 25.2 million season tickets, figures that continue to strain infrastructure and rolling stock.

Belgrade Line and Wider Transport Agenda

Lázár also confirmed that freight services on the Budapest–Belgrade railway are set to resume on 27 February, with passenger services planned by mid-March following testing. Infrastructure works are underway at Budapest Keleti station to accommodate new rolling stock, including Chinese-built multiple units planned by Serbian operator Srbija Voz.

Beyond rail, the minister outlined plans ranging from motorway expansions to a future rail link to Budapest Airport, while acknowledging persistent problems with delays, air-conditioning, and fleet availability. He said several improvements launched during his term would likely be felt only later, possibly when he returns to the system as a passenger rather than a policymaker.

The possible turn towards Chinese-built trains marks a notable strategic signal at a time when Europe’s rolling stock market remains tight, and delivery timelines are stretched. Whether the proposed order materialises will depend on negotiations in the coming months, as Hungary balances short-term fixes with longer-term modernisation goals.