Contemporary perspectives of railway, logistics and urban development in Budapest

Budapest metropolitan area is the major logistic hub of Hungary, as major TENT-T corridors cross the city. Growth potential is high, and railway infrastructure, brownfields and new hubs of logistics are key areas of development; still none of these sectors are at their full potential. The case study introduces the historical background and evolution of logistics and the rail network, and national objectives aiming to improve efficiency in infrastructure to foster sustainability and competitiveness. The focus areas are rail freight, offshore trade, service export, intermodal terminals, air cargo terminals, suburban passenger services and investments aiming to increase the usage of railway in freight and passenger transport. The study highlights how the region is seeking its competitive edge, and how progress is hindered by the lack of railway capacities or a lack of integrated urban planning. The urban rail concept and large brownfield sites along the lines may create opportunities for exploitation, but a lack of synergies impedes strategic development for now.