On 1 March, Hungary launched the ETCS Level 2 signalling system on the 25.2 km section between Százhalombatta and Pusztaszabolcs stations on the Budapest – Pécs line.
Siemens Mobility is deploying this technology on the 45.7 km of the Budapest Kelenföld —Százhalombatta —Pusztaszabolcs section. However, the remaining 20.5 km will be activated later.
This project is part of a complete renovation of the Százhalombatta – Pusztaszabolcs section, including a new route between Százhalombatta and Ercsi Elágazás. This work has eliminated bends and steep gradients. Following the activation of the ETCS, the maximum speed on this section has been increased from 120 km/h to 160 km/h, although the train timetable remains unchanged for the time being.
According to Zsolt Hegyi, CEO of MÁV-Volán, this improvement increases the line’s resilience and will allow trains to make up time when delays occur.
This is the first deployment of ETCS Level 2 on the MÁV network. ETCS Level 1 is already operating on other lines, such as Budapest – Győr – Wien and Sopron – Szombathely – Szentgotthárd.
