Hungary’s rail operator has warned that several trains may be withdrawn from service in the coming days as extreme heat pushes the network to breaking point. Temperatures above 40C are causing serious technical failures across the system, with MÁV saying some FLIRT multiple units have already been disabled after their batteries overheated during the late-June heatwave.
Many trains may shut down during the peak of the heatwave
The problem is particularly inconvenient because the trains’ protection systems intervene automatically in such cases. Once the batteries overheat, charging is disabled, meaning the unit cannot be put back into service after stopping. At the end of June, roughly 30 FLIRT trains were rendered inoperable in a short space of time. Later entries in the government’s heat-alert bulletins also noted that FLIRT units had been taken out of service because of battery overheating.
What is more, the train cannot move again until the outside temperature falls to an acceptable level. In other words, passengers can be left stranded on board even when the air conditioning is no longer working, since that too requires electricity.
MÁV is now seeking a long-term solution together with engineers from Stadler, the manufacturer. The batteries have been inspected, the necessary replacements carried out and spare units secured. An emergency operating procedure has also been introduced for extreme heat, reducing the strain on the trains while technical staff continuously monitor their condition.
Failures cannot be ruled
The next step is to test heat-protection measures designed to reduce the thermal load on the battery compartment, as well as to trial a new battery-charging module. If successful, this could provide a fleet-wide solution.
Meanwhile, the government is continuing to monitor the condition of the railway tracks and the temperature of the rails because of the heat, and speed restrictions are imposed where necessary.
If you missed: Paks NPP shutdown date revealed, PM Péter Magyar says Hungary may face energy crisis
According to MÁV, further FLIRT failures cannot be ruled out as long as temperatures remain above 40C for extended periods. The current measures therefore reduce the risk, but do not yet amount to a final solution to the problem.
Third-degree heat alert from today in Hungary – what it means
Subscribe to receive every edition of our Hungary Insider newsletter directly in your inbox!
