While these are not Hungary’s busiest stations, they are key transport hubs in their respective regions. Zsolt Hegyi, CEO of MÁV, said the works are part of the Hungarian Village Programme, which aims to improve services and facilities in smaller towns and rural areas.

What’s planned
 

• 11 stations will receive brand-new heated and air-conditioned waiting rooms — in some cases replacing demolished buildings that were beyond repair, or providing facilities where none existed before.

• 19 other stations will undergo full renovations, including upgraded waiting areas, modernised restrooms, improved facades, and cleaner, better-maintained surroundings.

• Where applicable, underpasses and stairways leading to platforms will also be renewed.
   

One of the highlights will be the restoration of the historic reception building in Gyula, designed to reflect its original appearance and serve as a fitting “gateway” to the spa town.

Hegyi emphasised that while upgrading tracks and rolling stock is essential, station facilities also play a vital role in service quality. Renovations have already started in Leányvár and Esztergom-Kertváros, with work planned throughout 2025 and 2026.

Scope & investment

The programme will cover stations in 14 counties, with an investment of nearly HUF 15 billion (€37.8 million), funded from MÁV’s own resources alongside support from the Hungarian Village Programme.

Stations included in the programme: Ács, Ajka, Aranyosapáti, Balmazújváros, Bashalom, Berettyóújfalu, Demecser, Esztergom-Kertváros, Felsőzsolca, Gárdony, Győrasszonyfa, Gyula, Jászberény, Kisvarsány, Kőbánya alsó, Leányvár, Magyarbánhegyes, Martonvásár, Mátészalka, Nyíradony, Nyírbogát, Ópályi, Pécsudvard, Poroszló, Püspökhatvan, Salgótarján, Sárrétudvari, Szalatnak, Szerep, Szépjuhászné, Tiszaalpár, Tiszajenő alsó, Tokaj, Várpalota, Villány.

Background

The project follows the government’s Five-Point Transport Action Plan announced in August 2024, which aims to:
 

1. Guarantee passengers’ rights

2. Develop rail infrastructure

3. Purchase new rolling stock

4. Improve passenger comfort

5. Restructure MÁV into a new company
    

While last year’s plans focused on Hungary’s largest stations — with the Minister signalling private investment for those projects — this latest initiative will finally address long-overdue improvements at smaller but regionally important stations.

 

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