Hungarian state and privately owned railway companies in 2006 decided to join forces, in view of strengthening the competitiveness the railway in Hungary. Other companies active in the railway sector soon became members of the Association which became an organisation representing sectorial interests with growing efficiency.

The European Union has initiated the liberalisation of the railway sector. As a first step railway infrastructure was made accessible to all, then the legal setting was created for the foundation of freight railway companies independently of state railways. It is now planned to gradually extend liberalisation to passenger transport, beginning in 2010.

It is therefore imperative for the railway sector to maintain its own “chamber” representing their interests face the authorities and other organisations. The goal of the HUNGRAIL Hungarian Rail Association is to provide a forum for the members to reconcile their positions on questions touching the entire sector, to effectively represent the railway sector, to enhance its competitiveness, to ensure equal access to the rail infrastructure, to improve state financing, and to work towards a framework of fair play and equal opportunities for the competing sectors of transportation. They also provide instruments for internal conflict resolution and self-policing, next to co-operating with and representing the affairs of Hungarian railways towards railways abroad and international organisations.