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Hungarian State Railways is the primary body engaged in administering all activities related to the field of Hungarian railways. The activities of the State Railways are divided into 2 sections, namely MAV Start Zrt, for passenger railways and MAV Cargo Zrt, for cargo transport.
Rail transport in Hungary began as early as 1846, when the first steam engine started operating in between Pest and Vac. 1846 is generally referred to in Hungarian history as the birth year of Hungarian railways. From 1849 to 1867, the rail sector of Hungary was a joint responsibility of Austria and Hungary, but from 1867 the Double Monarchy system, brought Hungarian railways completely into the ambit of the Hungarian government. Initially, the main line rail only was the responsibility of the Hungarian government and the branch lines were established by private companies. The Hungarian State Railway was founded in 1868.
MAV became the largest European rail company of the 20th century, both in terms of its expanse and finance. During the 1950's, Hungarian railways proved to be the base depending on which, the country progressed towards industrial expansion. Steam locomotives stopped being built in Hungary in 1958 and electrical locomotives were introduced in 1964. 120 km/h have been recorded as the maximum speed of Hungarian locomotive. At present, the Hungarian State Railways are looking forward to funds from the European Union, so as to upgrade the railway network within the country. At present MAV is focusing more on earning profits from its cargo service. However, tendencies towards suspending all rural railway services are being considered by the Hungarian government.
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