Rail freight services along the new Budapest-Belgrade (BuBe) line are expected to start on 27 February 2026. The line will already be used at 100% capacity for freight trains, according to the Hungarian Minister of Construction and Transport János Lázár.

The line, connecting the capitals of Serbia and Hungary, has been largely financed by the Chinese Export-Import Bank. Currently, the final tests are being carried out and passenger services will commence on 15 March, two weeks after freight.

Once operational, the BuBe will provide an important modern rail freight artery in two of the main hubs in Eastern Europe. Moreover, it should facilitate traffic to and from the Greek port of Piraeus, a key point for China as it is owned by Cosco. The relevance of this infrastructure for China is also reflected in its inclusion in the Belt and Road Initiative.