Debrecen4U June 22, 2026

Diversions and Longer Travel Times Expected on Budapest–Cegléd–Szolnok Train Line Due to Scheduled Track Maintenance Works

Track maintenance works began on 20 June on one of Hungary’s most important and busiest railway lines, the Budapest–Cegléd–Szolnok route. This line is not only a backbone of Budapest’s suburban rail network but is also of key importance for long-distance services to Debrecen, Nyíregyháza and Szeged, as well as for international and freight traffic, as highlighted by Minister for Transport and Investment Dávid Vitézy in a Facebook post.

The aim of the works is to improve the condition of the tracks, thereby removing speed restrictions and increasing train punctuality. Due to decades of deferred maintenance, several sections of the line have deteriorated to the point where temporary speed limits have become necessary, causing delays for passengers on a daily basis, the minister pointed out.

According to the statement, the first phase of the investment, carried out using MÁV’s own resources, will see parallel works taking place at several locations between 20 June and 18 July. At Abony station, switch and track maintenance will be carried out until 11 July, including ballast replacement in the vicinity of the points to eliminate speed restrictions and restore the line speed of 120 km/h. Between 27 June and 12 July, track maintenance will also take place between Ferencváros and Kőbánya-Kispest, while between 10 and 18 July ballast replacement will be carried out on Track 5 at Cegléd station, likewise to enable the restoration of the 120 km/h line speed.

Dávid Vitézy said that similar works taking place across the country represent small but important steps forward as some form of restriction is currently in place on 40 per cent of Hungary’s railway infrastructure due to the lack of investment in recent years. He added that securing European Union funding will make it possible to procure new multiple-unit trains and carry out major railway investments, but it is equally important to operate the existing infrastructure to a much higher standard than at present. These projects are intended to achieve precisely that goal.

Zsolt Hegyi, Chief Executive of MÁV Group, informed passengers that the works would result in timetable changes and longer journey times. The most significant change is that Nyírség InterCity services depart from Keleti Railway Station instead of Nyugati Railway Station during this period. He added that further interventions are planned on the same railway line after 19 July, with updates to be provided on an ongoing basis.

In connection with the development works, MÁV Group stated that maintenance activities on various sections of the Budapest–Cegléd–Szolnok–Debrecen railway line, carried out in multiple phases, requires significant timetable alterations from 20 June for several months.

Among other changes, Nyírség InterCity services operate from Keleti Railway Station instead of Nyugati Railway Station between 20 June and 18 July. Their timetable has also been amended, with departures brought forward by 10 minutes and arrivals delayed by 13 minutes. These trains do not serve the usual Budapest stops of Zugló, Kőbánya-Kispest and Ferihegy, nor do they call at Cegléd. Passengers travelling to these stations from Nyíregyháza or Debrecen are advised to use the Cívis InterRégió services instead.

Cívis InterRégió services to Debrecen and the Napfény InterCity services to Szeged depart from Nyugati Railway Station between one and six minutes earlier than usual and arrive between nine and fourteen minutes later than usually scheduled.

Source and photo credit: dehir.hu