Final Certification Phase Begins on Budapest–Belgrade Rail Line

Work on the rail connection between Budapest and Belgrade has entered its decisive phase. Since February 10, a special test train operated by Deutsche Bahn has been running over the tracks in southern Hungary to certify the line for speeds of up to 160 km/h.

It is a rare sight on the rails between the outskirts of Budapest and the Serbian border. A state-of-the-art test train from DB Systemtechnik is currently in continuous operation. According to the regional news portal Baon, the intensive testing phase has begun on the Hungarian section between Soroksár, the 23rd district of the Hungarian capital Budapest, and Kelebia, a Hungarian town on the Serbian border, to prepare for the technical approval of the newly constructed line.

The engineers are conducting the tests in a methodical manner:

The testing phase, scheduled to run until February 26, involves a daily increase in speed. While the train operated at 60 km/h on the first day, the speed was already raised to 70 km/h the following day. The goal is clearly defined: the line is to be validated for regular operation at 160 km/h.

During its runs, the test train briefly crosses the state border into Serbia. However, it stops a few kilometers before Subotica (Szabadka) station and returns to Hungarian territory after a short pause.

That DB Systemtechnik was chosen is no coincidence, notes Világgazdaság. The Deutsche Bahn subsidiary operates one of Europe’s most advanced test trains. The primary focus of the tests is the ETCS (European Train Control System).

Since the Budapest–Belgrade line is designed as a modern corridor, the digital train control system must function flawlessly to ensure interoperability between the national networks.

Residents and commuters along the line must expect restrictions during the test days. Since safety is the top priority, numerous level crossings are either manually secured or physically blocked.

On main traffic arteries, such as Route 52 near Fülöpszállás or Route 55 near Kisszállás, waiting times of over 20 minutes may occur. In Kiskunhalas, traffic is partially rerouted via new overpasses, yet the construction management particularly urges pedestrians and cyclists to exercise increased caution and patience.

Once the technical approval by the experts is completed, the Hungarian State Railways (MÁV) will take over operations.

This brings the start of regular passenger and freight traffic on one of Central Europe’s most important north-south axes within reach. The connection promises a significant reduction in travel time between the two capitals and a tremendous increase in freight capacity from the Greek ports toward Central Europe.

Via baon.hu, Featured image: Pixabay (illustration)

The post Final Certification Phase Begins on Budapest–Belgrade Rail Line appeared first on Hungary Today.

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