The MÁV is reporting further delays: one of the busiest routes is next in line

Slow trains in the firing line: recently, both the MÁV projects and a statement by the Minister for Transport have highlighted the need to increase train speeds. In October, our newspaper reported the successful removal of speed restrictions at Rákosrendező, and then in December a similar development was completed on the Hatvan–Somoskőújfalu section. Meanwhile, two weeks ago, Dávid Vitézy reported on projects aimed at removing speed restrictions on the Budapest–Pécs main line, which have been underway since May – which our newspaper also covered – and on the Szerencs–Nyíregyháza section. It also noted that today, 40 per cent (!) of Hungary’s railway lines are subject to some form of traffic restriction.

Work is also underway between Ferencváros and Kőbánya-Kispest

The renovation work currently underway on the Budapest–Debrecen Line 100 fits into this context; details of which can be found at Zsolt Hegyi, CEO of the MÁV Group, on his social media page. According to the post, multi-phase track maintenance work began on 20 June on one of our busiest railway lines.

The aim of the works is to reduce speed restrictions, i.e. to restore the line speed to 120 km/h; in addition, the works are intended to minimise the risk of breakdowns and improve timetable reliability. During the first phase, from 20 June to 11 July, work will take place between Ferencváros and Kőbánya-Kispest, as well as at Abony station. At the latter station, points and track maintenance will be carried out, including the replacement of ballast at the points and on the associated sections.

Train InterCityk to Debrecen will depart from Keleti station instead of Nyugati station

During the second phase, between 10 and 18 July, approximately 80 metres of track bed will be replaced on Track 5 at Cegléd station, which will enable a line speed of 120 km/h to be maintained on this section as well.

The works will result in a revised timetable and longer journey times: the most significant change is that the InterCityk service running between Debrecen (or Nyíregyháza) and Budapest will depart from and arrive at Keleti railway station instead of Nyugati during this period.

Further works are planned on this railway line after 19 July.