Hungary is on the verge of a new logistics era

The concept was developed by the professional organizations of the Logistics Coordination Forum, including the HUNGRAIL Hungarian Railway Association, the Hungarian Logistics, Procurement and Stocking Company (MLBKT), the Hungarian Logistics Association (MLE), the Hungarian Logistics Service Centers Association (MLSZKSZ), the Hungarian Forwarders Association (MSZSZ) and the Hungarian Customs Association (MVSZ).

Rail freight transport could double, intermodal traffic could triple by 2035

The Hungarian logistics sector could reach a new level in the next decade.

Hungary by 2035 will rail freight capacity could double, with at least a 50 percent expansion expected in the sector by 2030. Continental intermodal traffic could triple to 138,000 TEU. Railway developments include a 20 percent expansion of track capacity, a 30 percent increase in the number of sidings, the renewal of rolling stock, and the digitalization of border crossings, which could reduce waiting times by up to 30–40 percent. The concept pays special attention to the resilience and security of logistics networks, so that Hungary remains a stable supply point even in crisis situations.

The green transition is at the heart of the road sector: the professional organizations’ proposal is to build high-power electric chargers every 50 kilometers along the highways, and the reform of the toll system should provide up to 100 percent discounts for zero-emission vehicles. The Green Logistics Program reduces the sector’s emissions with targeted measures, supports warehouses using renewable energy, and promotes the introduction of an emission-based toll system. The emissions of the entire logistics sector could be reduced by 40 percent by 2035, while the logistics performance of the Hungarian economy could increase by up to 60 percent compared to the 2024 level.

A digitalized, green and data-driven logistics network is being built in Hungary

The concept’s main focus is the development of the intermodal network. The share of combined transport in total road traffic could increase from the current 7 percent to 21 percent by 2030. It is proposed to launch a new national terminal development program, within the framework of which new transshipment capacities would be created in the Zalaegerszeg, Győr and Szeged regions, as well as in those logistics parks where freight traffic justifies establishing a railway connection and installing a microgrid utilizing renewable energy. By 2030, ensure that all parks larger than 50 hectares and handling over 100,000 tons of goods per year can be connected to the railway network.

Containerized shipments arriving from the Adriatic Sea and northern ports should reach their recipients in Hungary within four working days. The Danube’s share of freight transport could increase to 10 percent by 2030, the proportion of ships flying the Hungarian flag could reach 25 percent, while the volume of air freight could increase by 80 percent by 2035.

The National Logistics Data Platform could ensure uniform, real-time data sharing, which would enable artificial intelligence-based network optimization and fully automated customs procedures. In parallel with digitalization, the development of cybersecurity and data protection is also emerging, which could become a mandatory part of future logistics training.

The plans include the creation of a regional e-commerce and customs logistics center, which offers customs and logistics services that are available 24/7, with processes supported by artificial intelligence. Hungary could become the most attractive logistics and e-commerce distribution center in the region by 2030.