Serbia, Hungary to open high-speed rail link this fall

Serbia and Hungary are set to launch a high-speed rail line connecting Belgrade and Budapest this autumn, officials announced. The line's passenger service will begin after all safety, regulatory, and technical conditions are met, according to Serbia's Minister of Construction, Transport, and Infrastructure, Aleksandra Sofronijević.

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The high-speed rail line between Belgrade and Budapest should be opened for passenger traffic in the fall.

Testing and a simulation run are scheduled to take place after August 24. This simulation will cover the entire route from Belgrade to Budapest and back, including border and customs procedures, to confirm the line's safety for passenger traffic and determine final travel times. All construction work is in its final stages, and timetables are being coordinated.

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After the necessary test runs, a simulation ride from Belgrade to Budapest and back will be carried out after August 24, which will also include border and customs procedures.

The project signifies ongoing cooperation between Serbia and Hungary in transportation infrastructure. The countries have agreed to hold another meeting to discuss joint projects, the Danube as a European corridor, and other open issues. Hungary's Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, David Vitézy, emphasized the importance of this rail link for connecting Serbia to the EU, despite some internal reservations in Hungary regarding the project's segment within its territory.

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It is in Hungary's interest to establish a railway connection that will connect Serbia with the EU.

Vitézy confirmed that the infrastructure component is functional, with freight traffic already operating smoothly. Passenger service testing, including the Budapest-Kelebia section, is nearing completion. He stated that if any issues arise during testing, they will be addressed promptly, prioritizing passenger safety. The final launch date for passenger service will be announced later. Hungary is also open to improving road connectivity with Serbia, including the expansion and renovation of the Hercegszanto border crossing.

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If we notice any problems, work will be done to eliminate them, because the safety of passengers and the security of the system are paramount.