One of the biggest transport challenges of summer 2026 in Hungary could stem from a shortage of railway carriages at Hungary’s rail network, MÁV. Private maintenance firms have gone bankrupt, and although the state has since reacquired them, deteriorating track conditions mean disruptions are still likely. Restoring the system, however, could cost billions.
Rolling stock in critical condition
The roots of MÁV’s rolling stock shortage go back several years. Privatised maintenance companies – including the strategically important Dunakeszi Vehicle Repair Plant – became insolvent, bringing repair work to a halt for months.
Although the Hungarian state repurchased the facility for around HUF 8 billion ahead of the elections, the downtime has had lasting consequences. Mandatory overhauls of InterCity and international carriages have been significantly delayed, meaning trains are already operating with fewer coaches than last year.
Summer peak: lower comfort, greater uncertainty
The upcoming tourist season is expected to exacerbate the rail network situation further. The railway company has acknowledged that during peak periods, it may have to deploy lower-comfort carriages on several routes.
According to János Meleg, head of the Railway Workers’ Union, the lack of reserve rolling stock is a serious concern. In the event of breakdowns, replacing carriages will be difficult. To mitigate this, MÁV plans to lease 10 InterCity-standard coaches from the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB), though this is seen as a temporary fix.
Ageing tracks and widespread speed restrictions
It is not only rolling stock that is causing concern. Track conditions across the rail network have also deteriorated significantly. Experts estimate that nearly 40% of railway lines are currently subject to speed restrictions.
This compounds the rolling stock shortage: ageing switches and points not only slow down services but also pose safety risks. Current funding programmes cover only a fraction of the necessary upgrades.
Billions needed for long-term solutions
Stabilising Hungary’s rail network system would require investment on the scale of trillions of forints, according to experts. This presents a major challenge given the strained state budget and the fact that EU funds are unlikely to arrive for several years.
One potential source of savings could lie in making procurement processes more transparent. Transport expert Botond Szalma told 24.hu that overpricing in railway investments can reach as much as 30%, suggesting that eliminating inefficiencies could free up significant resources.
About previous disruptions with Hungary’s rail network, we reported here.
Capacity boosted – but for how long?
While long-term solutions remain uncertain, MÁV is attempting to manage the situation in the short term. Due to upcoming events – including the inaugural session of Parliament and a major Ikarus bus gathering in Tapolca – the company expects a surge in passenger numbers this weekend.
Additional carriages will be added to several InterCity services, while high-capacity double-decker KISS trains will operate on certain routes. Passenger assistants will also be deployed at major stations to help manage traffic. In the Balaton region, for instance, Kék Hullám InterCity trains will run with at least seven carriages.
However, these measures may only provide temporary relief, as the underlying issues continue to cast a shadow over Hungary’s rail network.
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