Serbian and Hungarian Ministers Announce Opening of High-Speed Rail Between Belgrade and Budapest This Fall

The high-speed rail line between Belgrade and Budapest is expected to be opened for passenger traffic in the fall, Serbian Minister of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure Aleksandra Sofronijević said today in Subotica.

After a meeting with Hungarian Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Dávid Vitézy, she stated that this will be done once all testing is completed and all safety, regulatory, and technical requirements are met. 

Sofronijević told reporters at City Hall that, following the necessary test runs, a simulation ride from Belgrade to Budapest and back will be conducted after August 24, which will also include border and customs procedures.

She noted that the purpose of the simulation is to confirm that the rail line is safe for passenger traffic and to determine the final travel times.

At the same time, work is underway to harmonize the timetable, while all construction work is in its final phase, the minister added.

Sofronijević emphasized that cooperation between Serbia and Hungary in the field of transport infrastructure is continuing.

She stated that the two sides have agreed on a new meeting to discuss joint infrastructure projects, the Danube as a European corridor, and other outstanding issues.

The Hungarian minister said that it is in Hungary’s interest to establish a rail connection that will link Serbia with the EU, despite differing opinions in Hungary regarding the project, especially concerning the section on its territory.

He said that the Chinese supplier has completed its part of the system, after which testing began, including the Budapest–Kelebia section.

According to him, testing will be completed within two weeks and, if everything goes well, traffic can be expected to commence. 

“If we notice any problems, they will be addressed, as passenger safety and system security are the top priorities,” Vitézy stated.

He added that harmonization of the timetable and other operational details between the two countries is still ahead, and that the joint goal is to establish a high-quality direct rail link between Belgrade and Budapest, which will enable further connections to Vienna.

Vitézy said that freight traffic on the line is already running smoothly, “which confirms that the infrastructure part of the project is functional, while the remaining systems necessary for establishing passenger traffic are being completed.”

Speaking on other topics from the meeting, the Hungarian minister pointed to the consequences of the historically low water level of the Danube in Hungary, and assessed that climate change further underscores the importance of developing rail transport.

The Hungarian minister said that the public will be informed later about the exact date for the establishment of passenger rail traffic between the two countries.

He added that Hungary is also open to improving road connectivity with Serbia, including the expansion or renovation of the Hercegszántó border crossing.