MÁV-START tests used French Alstom electric locomotives to modernise Hungarian railways
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MÁV-START, a key player in Hungarian rail transport, has taken a significant step toward modernizing its locomotive fleet by testing Alstom’s multi-current Astride electric locomotives. This move is part of the MÁV-VOLÁN Group’s 5-point transport action plan, aimed at enhancing the quality and reliability of rail transport in Hungary.
The Group’s twofold strategy focuses on the long-term procurement of new vehicles while leasing high-quality, second-hand locomotives to address short-term operational needs. As part of this strategy, MÁV-START recently conducted a successful test run of these Alstom locomotives between Budapest and Hatvan. Though not yet in passenger service, these trial runs are vital to ensure the locomotives meet operational and safety standards before fully integrating into the Hungarian railway network.
According to the official site, the company plans to lease 27 locomotives, with an initial order of 15 and an option for 12 more. These new locomotives are expected to replace some of the older V43 traction units with a maximum speed of 120 km/h. In contrast, the Alstom locomotives can reach speeds of up to 160 km/h and are equipped with advanced safety and driver assistance systems, ensuring higher operational efficiency and timetable regularity.
Except Hungarian tracks cannot accommodate trains travelling faster than 120 kph anywhere other than on bits of the line heading towards Vienna and on many lines the speeds are significantly lower than this, either due to temporary speed limits or because the whole line needs a complete overhaul. These 30 year old ‘rented’ locos will merely swap out 60 year old Hungarian-made locos that are so far gone they were on their last legs a decade or more ago. This is another sticking plaster and will work out more expensive than procuring new locomotives over the longer term. Great business however for the French SNCF leasing firm that finds a home for their rejects that might otherwise end up getting cut up. Same for the 40 year old ex-Danish diesel junk they’re leasing that are too heavy for Hungary’s fragile tracks and will just increase the repair backlog when they chew up the rails.