Freight services on the Hungarian section of the Budapest-Belgrade railway resumed on February 26, 2026, marking a milestone for the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in Central and Eastern Europe. The first freight train departed from Budapest’s Ferencvaros station, reigniting a critical trade corridor between Hungary and Serbia.
The railway, a tripartite project involving China, Hungary, and Serbia, aims to modernize transport links between the two European capitals. The Hungarian segment spans 158.6 kilometers of electrified track, capable of handling both freight and future passenger services at speeds up to 160 km/h. Analysts highlight its potential to reduce transit times for goods moving between China and Europe via the BRI network.
This revival comes amid growing regional demand for efficient logistics routes. The project underscores deepening economic ties between Asia and Europe, with Hungary and Serbia positioning themselves as key BRI hubs. Business leaders anticipate reduced costs for cross-border trade, while academics note the railway’s strategic role in reshaping supply chains post-pandemic.
