HS Railway Officially Launches Freight Operations

At 00:00 local time on 27 February 2026, the first freight train departed from Ferencváros Railway Station in Budapest, passing through key stations including Soroksár and Taksony before heading toward Kelebia at the Hungarian–Serbian border. This marked the official commencement of freight operations on the Hungary–Serbia Railway (Hungarian section).

The project is jointly constructed by China Railway No.9 Group, China Railway Electrification Engineering Group, and Hungarian local partners.

The Hungary–Serbia Railway connects the capitals of Hungary and Serbia, Budapest and Belgrade. The Hungarian section is approximately 158.6 kilometers in length, linking Budapest and Kelebia. Construction began in 2022. The line is a double-track electrified railway designed for mixed passenger and freight transport, with a maximum operating speed of 160 km/h.

Originally built in the late 19th century, the line had largely operated as a single-track railway prior to modernization. After more than a century of service, aging infrastructure, outdated signaling systems, and reduced capacity had significantly limited transport efficiency. During construction, the project team successfully overcame challenges related to language, legal frameworks, and differing technical standards. Notably, the project achieved the integration of Chinese railway technology with the European Union’s Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSI) for the first time.

Upon full completion of the railway, travel time between Budapest and Belgrade will be reduced from approximately eight hours to around three and a half hours. The upgraded line will enhance regional connectivity in Central and Eastern Europe, improve cross-border transportation efficiency, and contribute to economic and social development along the corridor.（New: Guo Xusheng）