Subscribe to our social channels to get the latest news about Hungary!
IT
HR
NL
FR
JA
RO
RU
ES
TR
Budapest to move ahead with major rail upgrade as Southern Circle Railway tender launched
Budapest is set to take another significant step in modernising its rail network after the Hungarian government officially launched a public procurement procedure for the third phase of the Southern Circle Railway (Déli Körvasút) project. The long-anticipated development is widely described as the largest railway investment in the Hungarian capital for more than a century.
Huge development for Budapest
The open tender, published in the EU’s official procurement bulletin shortly before Christmas, covers both the design and construction of the third phase of the project.
Interested bidders have until 16 February 2026 to submit their offers to the Ministry of Construction and Transport, headed by János Lázár. The winning contractor will have 44 months to complete the works, meaning the project could be finished between 2028 and 2029, writes VG.
Southern Circle Railway enters its third stage
The third phase focuses on the Pest side of the Southern Circle Railway and centres on a major capacity expansion around Ferencváros railway station. According to the tender documents, the project will affect a 3.9-kilometre section of the national rail network, requiring the preparation of detailed construction plans, the acquisition of all necessary permits and the full execution of the approved designs.
As part of the investment, Ferencváros station will be comprehensively rebuilt. Nearly 12 kilometres of existing track will be dismantled, while 13.2 kilometres of new track will be laid.