Hungary's Ministry of Transport is exploring the acquisition of up to 20 new shunting locomotives for MÁV from Chinese manufacturer CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive Co., HVG.hu reports.
Currently, two CRRC shunting locomotives are operating in Hungary, ordered by Rail Cargo Hungaria, a subsidiary of Austrian Rail Cargo Group. These locomotives have successfully passed all necessary tests, and official permits were signed by Minister of Construction and Transport János Lázár, potentially expediting future acquisitions.
Each locomotive is estimated to cost between 7.3 and 9.8 million EUR, bringing the total investment to at least EUR 147 million. The ministry aims to address pressing needs in the railway sector by reducing delays and introducing better-conditioned vehicles. The Chinese manufacturer has indicated a willingness to supply locomotives that are already nearing completion on their production lines, which could accelerate delivery timelines.
The planned locomotives are expected to be stationed in Nyíregyháza, leveraging existing workshop facilities. Initial reservations from Hungarian railway engineers about the Chinese products have lessened following positive evaluations from test runs.
In May, CRRC signed an agreement with Hungarian company Acemil Zrt. to establish four joint centers in Hungary. These centers will focus on vehicle production, maintenance, education, and research and development for both locomotives and freight cars.
Representatives from the ministry and MÁV were present at the signing of the agreement, indicating a strengthening collaboration between Hungarian railway entities and CRRC. This initiative aligns with efforts to modernize Hungary's railway infrastructure and expand domestic capabilities in rail vehicle manufacturing, especially at the times of urgent need to replace MÁV’s aging and frequently defect rolling stock, currently covered by leases of ES64U2 or Astride locomotives from Akiem, or diesel locomotives from Nordic Re-Finance.
