The investment, to be completed by the summer of 2024, will raise speeds on the line from 100 to 160km/h and increase axle load by 15 kN, state secretary for transport policy Laszlo Mosoczi said.

The contractors for the project are Strabag, V-Híd and Thales Group.

Sándor Kupai, chief director at state-owned railway company MÁV, said over 1 million passengers traveled on the line last year.

Artur Kikina, in charge of railway projects at the National Infrastructure Development Company (NIF), said talks are underway on the European Union funding ratio for the investment which could be as high as 85%.