Minister: High-speed rail launch now hinges on Hungary

Speaking to Serbian public broadcaster RTS, Construction, Transport and Infrastructure Minister Aleksandra Sofronijevic said freight traffic on the route has already been operating since late February at speeds of up to 100 km/h. Independent and industry reporting has also confirmed that freight service began while passenger service remains delayed.

According to Sofronijevic, the main obstacle is a technical and safety issue involving the ETCS train control system on the Hungarian section of the line.

She said Hungary’s national rail operator MÁV is carrying out additional safety checks after a fault was detected that affects safe operation at speeds of 160 km/h. That aligns with recent reporting that passenger services have been delayed because final ETCS software testing and certification on the Hungarian side are not yet complete.

Sofronijevic said Serbian SOKO trains have already entered Hungary and received type approval, meaning they have been certified in principle for use.

Once all safety systems are fully operational and the final certifications are completed, the trains will still need final individual operating permits before passenger services can begin.

The Belgrade-Budapest line has been promoted by both governments as a flagship regional infrastructure project, but for now, the launch of full passenger service remains dependent on the final green light from Hungarian operators and regulators.