From Budapest to Belgrade, trains are running on rails to test the European train control system and pave the last stretch of road for passenger transport. This iconic railway that connects China and Europe is gradually moving from freight to passenger transport.

Two tests concluded

On October 8, 2026, the Hungarian Minister of Transport and Investment, Vitizi Davide, announced that the European train control system test for the Hungarian section of the Hungary Serbia railway had been successfully completed, marking significant progress in the preparation for the railway's passenger service opening. The Hungarian section has successfully completed two key tests: the full load test of the line and the European train control system test. The ETCS system passing the test is an important prerequisite for the opening of passenger services on the line. At present, relevant departments are finalizing the formal technical documents based on the test results. If the follow-up work proceeds as planned, the domestic passenger service in Hungary is expected to start in the second half of October 2026. 

Fine tuned track welcomes guests

At present, the Hungarian section of the Hungary Serbia railway has not fully met the conditions for operating at a designed speed of 160 kilometers per hour. The construction contractor still needs to carry out the final stage of track fine-tuning operations, which are expected to last for nearly two months. This mainly includes precise adjustments to the tracks, switches, and section lines inside the station to ensure that the geometric parameters of the tracks meet the requirements for safe train operation. According to the construction plan, the track fine-tuning work of the Ferencvaros Kunst Miklos Tas suburban railway section will be completed by the end of October. If domestic passenger transportation runs smoothly in the initial stage, the Hungary Serbia railway is expected to enter the next phase in December 2026, gradually achieving a design speed of 160 kilometers per hour and operating international passenger trains from Budapest to Belgrade. Keywords: Hungary Serbia Railway、ETCS

The international passenger service from Budapest to Belgrade is expected to open in December 2026, with both October and December being expected dates. Hungary emphasizes that passenger services will only be officially opened after all necessary safety requirements are met. The total length of the Hungary Serbia railway is about 158.6 kilometers. It is an electrified railway that combines passenger and freight transportation, with a designed maximum speed of 160 kilometers per hour. Freight transportation officially began on February 27, 2026.Editor/Min Jing