MAV-START, the passenger unit of state-owned Hungarian railway company MAV, plans to purchase 88 multiple-unit trains at an estimated cost of around HUF 200 billion by the end of 2015, MAV Start told MTI on Saturday.

MAV Start said that the company would apply for European Union funding and Hungarian budget co-funding to purchase the multiple units as part of its fleet-modernization program begun in 2010.

The company said it expects to issue tenders for purchase of the multiple-unit trains before the end of this year, noting that Hungary’s government and the European Commission must approve the details and timing of the acquisitions.

The cabinet could discuss the project at the end of October and a conditional public procurement could be invited in November.

MAV also plans to launch a public procurement process for the renovation of passenger cars yet this year.