The Hungarian Association of Logistics Service Centres (MLSZKSZ) warns that shortcomings in the railway network could divert substantial freight traffic away from Hungary.

The volume of Hungary’s loaded maritime container traffic exceeded the level of the same period of the previous year by more than 10% in the second quarter of 2026, reaching a total market volume of 123,258 TEU. Although these figures indicate a strong market, increasingly serious operational risks are emerging in the background. The unreliability of the EU railway system is now directly threatening further growth. Track defects have made transit times unpredictable, a situation further aggravated by the frequent simultaneous closure of routes that should serve as alternatives to one another. According to MLSZKSZ, the current growth represents a major opportunity for Hungary, which could be transformed into a lasting competitive advantage through railway infrastructure improvements and closer European coordination.

According to the Association’s aggregated data, Hungary’s loaded maritime container traffic reached 123,258 TEU in the second quarter of 2026. Compared with the same period of the previous year, imports increased by 12.3% and exports by 7.2%, with imports accounting for more than 70% of total traffic. Incoming cargo volumes continued to be driven primarily by raw materials required for new industrial investments, while household consumption and e-commerce also strengthened demand. Despite an unfavourable international environment, the Hungarian market achieved significant growth. Nevertheless, conflicts in the Middle East continue to disrupt maritime transport, while port congestion reduces schedule reliability. Limited vessel capacity is keeping freight rates high, and European exporters are also constrained because empty containers are often unavailable where they are needed.

Rail transport can no longer keep pace with demand

The Association points out that the most urgent challenge facing Hungarian and Central European intermodal freight transport is the unpredictability of the EU railway system, which has become a major obstacle to the reliable movement of growing cargo volumes. Service providers are finding it increasingly difficult to ensure stable transit times and guaranteed capacity, causing rail to lose the very advantage on which intermodal transport is built. In Hungary, delayed infrastructure renewal and critical track defects regularly cause disruptions, while long-term speed restrictions significantly increase transit times. At European level, the lack of coordination between infrastructure works further aggravates the situation, as alternative routes are often restricted simultaneously.

“Further growth in intermodal transport requires predictable rail capacity and reliable transit times. The current condition of the Hungarian network is the consequence of three decades of inconsistent infrastructure policy and chronic underinvestment, while at European level the greatest disruptions are caused by uncoordinated infrastructure works and line closures. A network must be created that can continue to carry freight even when individual sections become unavailable,” said Koppány Ajtony Bíró, Secretary General of MLSZKSZ.

According to MLSZKSZ, the first step should be to restore the operational reliability of the main freight corridors by eliminating critical track defects and long-term speed restrictions. Railway works should also be coordinated nationally and across Central Europe to ensure that at least one alternative route always remains available.

The Association also stresses that the reconstruction of the Gubacsi Railway Bridge is one of Hungary’s most urgent transport investments, as it provides the rail connection of the Csepel Freeport as well as the MAHART and METRANS terminals to the national railway network. A prolonged restriction would jeopardise the operation of several major industrial and logistics companies and consequently Hungary’s export logistics. MLSZKSZ supports the Government’s investment plans and urges rapid implementation. The project should also include the related Csepel and Soroksár railway sections together with the port railway network.

Budapest can preserve its regional role only through a multi-hub network

Thanks to its geographical location, Hungary already serves as a Central European logistics consolidation and distribution hub. MLSZKSZ recommends that future railway developments focus on creating a multi-hub network centred on Budapest. Besides strengthening the capital’s rail connections, this also requires developing bypass routes and regional freight terminals.

The southern V0 freight bypass around Budapest could significantly reduce pressure on the capital’s railway network in the long term and its preparation should therefore continue. At the same time, priority should be given to upgrading Budapest’s existing freight rail connections. This would create a network in which Budapest and regional terminals complement one another in serving both domestic and international freight flows.

“We have already secured the role of Central Europe’s distribution hub, but we must also preserve it. Without a functioning railway system, freight will bypass Hungary regardless of our favourable geographical location,” added Koppány Ajtony Bíró.

MLSZKSZ also urges improvements to the navigability of the River Danube, as recurring low water levels regularly restrict freight transport and weaken trimodal logistics chains. According to the Association, the professional debate should be reopened regarding the three weirs previously planned for the Hungarian section of the Danube. Thirty years have passed without a comprehensive solution, and further delays will result in increasing economic losses.

Central Europe’s Intermodal industry will seek solutions in Budapest

Improving the predictability of the railway system and advancing intermodal freight transport will also be among the key topics of the 6th Central European Intermodal Conference. Leading Central European industry stakeholders will discuss how railway infrastructure works and line closures can be better coordinated, and what investments are needed to strengthen links between terminals and seaports. The programme will also address Budapest’s regional distribution role and opportunities for developing Hungary’s intermodal network. The conference, jointly organised by CT4EU, MLSZKSZ and UIRR, will take place on 29 October 2026 at the Budapest Marriott Hotel.

Further information and registration are available on the event website.

https://rem.eventcloud.hu/e/mlszksz-intermodalis-konferencia-2026