Public Procurement Tender for Rail Railcar Maintenance

MÁV Hungarian Railways has issued a new public procurement tender for the long-term maintenance of used railcars it plans to purchase from Switzerland, the MÁV Group said on Monday.

The tender covers the maintenance of up to 93 used Stadler GTW multiple-unit trains for a period of 15 years.

The railway company noted that, pursuant to a 2025 decision by the Ministry of Construction and Transportation – which previously exercised ownership rights – MÁV had planned to purchase up to 93 used Stadler GTW multiple-unit trains from Switzerland. They added that ensuring the cost-effective long-term maintenance of the trains is also necessary for the sales contract for the used vehicles to take effect.

MÁV thoroughly reviewed the maintenance proposal it had previously received and deemed it uncompetitive and overpriced; consequently, in September, Dávid Vitézy, Minister of Transportation and Investment, revoked the instruction given to the minister who had previously exercised ownership rights to sign the maintenance contract.

According to the information provided, the purchase of these motor trains would increase the seating capacity of the rail fleet by approximately 14,000 seats, while also significantly improving travel comfort.

The Ministry of Transportation and Investment maintains that used rolling stock may only be purchased if the purchase price and the operating costs calculated over the entire service life together represent a good deal for taxpayers and the railway company. The Hungarian government will not accept exorbitantly expensive terms simply to ensure that the procurement is formally completed, the statement said.

The goal of the new public procurement procedure launched on Monday is to receive bids that are significantly more favorable than previous ones for the 15-year maintenance period. A decision on the vehicle procurement will be made based on the results of the new public procurement procedure, the MÁV Group announced.