According to Serbian Economist, passenger service on the high-speed rail line between Belgrade and Budapest is scheduled to begin within the next one to two months, Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar announced at a press conference on July 16. Thus, provided the new deadlines are met, the first trains could begin running in August or September. However, Hungarian authorities have not yet specified an exact launch date.
In the coming days, Hungarian Minister of Transport and Investment David Vitézi is scheduled to visit Serbia. During talks with representatives of the Serbian government, the parties plan to coordinate the operation of signaling systems and equipment that ensure traffic safety on the cross-border section.
The launch of passenger trains has already been postponed several times. The main issue has been the certification of the European Train Control System (ETCS) installed on the Hungarian section of the line. Inspections conducted in the spring revealed malfunctions that could have compromised train safety at speeds of up to 160 km/h.
The reconstruction of the railway line has already been completed, and on February 27, 2026, freight traffic began on the Hungarian section. The first cross-border freight train traveled from Budapest through Kelebia and Subotica toward Novi Sad. Passenger service has been postponed until the testing and certification of the signaling systems are completed.
The Belgrade–Budapest high-speed rail line is one of the largest joint infrastructure projects between Serbia, Hungary, and China. Once fully operational, it is expected to significantly reduce travel time between the two capitals and strengthen Serbia’s transport links with Central Europe.
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