An upgrade of a 60km section of rail linking Budapest’s Rákos station and Hatvan in eastern Hungary has been completed.
The project, which was led by Hitachi Rail, saw six electronic interlockings receive upgrades at Rákosliget, Pécel, Isaszeg, Gödöllő, Babatpuszta and Aszód, as well as the implementation of the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2 along the line.
One of the most significant projects to be undertaken in the country in recent years; the modernisation process also included the installation of 73 new point machines, as well as the integration of 23 level crossings into the safe signalling system. Each point machine is continuously monitored by AI-based diagnostics software, with the railway operator receiving precise information on machine behaviour and potential faults in real-time.
First launched in 2017, the project hit its first milestone in 2021 with the completion of the electrification and modernisation of the track’s signalling infrastructure. In 2024, the ETCS Level 2 system was commissioned on the line.
The project aims to deliver major improvements to services along the route, with passengers now expected to benefit from shorter travel times, whilst freight operations will now be able to proceed without restrictions.
Commenting on the delivery of the project, Hannes Boyer, VP Main Line Signalling at Hitachi Rail, said:The completion of this project to upgrade the digital signalling and interlocking between Budapest and Hatvan underlines Hungary’s growing leadership in railway innovation. Our cutting-edge solutions will help increase speed, reliability and capacity on the line, helping to deliver more seamless, sustainable transport for passengers and freight.
