Orbán family profits from Budapest-Belgrade railway renovation through quarry contracts
The Budapest-Belgrade railway renovation, one of the largest infrastructure projects in Hungary’s history, has involved key business figures close to the government. Beyond the known participation of Lőrinc Mészáros’ companies, internal documents reveal that Viktor Orbán’s direct family members have also profited from the massive state-funded development, primarily through the supply of construction materials.
Ballast transported from a quarry owned by Orbán’s family
According to reports from 444.hu, over 200,000 tons of railway ballast were transported from a quarry in Gánt, owned by Orbán’s family, between 2022 and 2023. This delivery was confirmed by two separate transportation companies, which had contracts linked to the railway’s construction.
The Gánt quarry is managed by Dolomit Ltd., a company that lists several Orbán family members in leadership positions. Viktor Orbán’s father, Győző Orbán Sr., serves as the majority owner and CEO, while his brother, Győző Orbán Jr., and nephew, Dávid Orbán, also have executive roles. The family has been engaged in business with state projects for years, but this new revelation ties them directly to the highly publicised Budapest-Belgrade railway.
The railway renovation is Hungary’s largest-ever rail development, costing over HUF 800 billion (EUR 2 billion), most of which is financed by loans from China. The government has promoted the project as a significant strategic partnership between Hungary and China. Prime Minister Orbán described it as a “win-win” for both countries—an assertion that seems particularly true for his family.
The documents reviewed by 444.hu suggest that some of the orders for the construction materials were placed by V-Híd, a company owned by Lőrinc Mészáros, a close associate of the prime minister. V-Híd has played a significant role as the main contractor for the railway project. Moreover, there were additional agreements planned between the Orbán family’s Dolomit Ltd. and a Chinese firm involved in the project, China Tiejiuju Engineering & Construction Ltd. This company was reportedly preparing to sign a contract worth HUF 1 billion (EUR 2.5 million) for the supply of crushed stone from the family quarry.
Orbán’s family members are the main beneficiaries
Though exact financial figures remain undisclosed, the quarry’s price list indicates that in 2023, the material was sold at HUF 6,215 (EUR 15.77) per ton, a price that increased to HUF 7,520 (EUR 19) in 2024. This rate was notably higher than the prices offered by competitors.
While the Orbán family’s involvement in state projects is not new, this level of participation in a high-profile international project has raised questions. Previously, their quarry in Gánt supplied materials for various state-funded and EU-backed infrastructure developments, including road construction and sewage system upgrades. Over the past decade, Győző Orbán Sr. has withdrawn over HUF 10 billion (EUR 25.3 million) in dividends from these business activities.
Despite attempts to reach the family members for comments, neither Győző Orbán Jr. (PM Orbán’s brother) nor his son Dávid (PM Orbán’s nephew) provided statements to the press, ending phone calls when journalists identified themselves.
The Budapest-Belgrade railway project continues to draw attention, both for its strategic implications and the financial beneficiaries, particularly among those close to Hungary’s top political leadership. As the construction progresses, the involvement of Viktor Orbán’s family remains a point of interest in both the domestic and international media.
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