Greek Railway Operator Aims to Reinstate Obsolete Tracks and Trains for Tourism

The train of Pelion. Photo Source: TrainOSE

Greece’s railway organization, TrainOSE, has announced plans to create new tourist-interest routes by reinstating old train lines through public-private partnerships (PPPs).

Speaking to Naftemporiki, TrainOSE President Georgios Kakoulakis said the company now had the manpower to move ahead towards the exploitation of tracks and trains that have become obsolete creating new tourist products through synergies with regional authorities, municipalities and investors.

Referring to TrainOSE’s plan, Kakoulakis noted that reviving the routes and creating new ones will attract tourism, boost local economies and create jobs.

Photo Source: TrainOSE

Some of the suggestions on the table include increasing the frequency – every Sunday all year round – of services along the historic Ano Lehonia-Milies line run by Pelion’s legendary steam train, the “Moutzouris”; reinstating the train service running through the Valley of Tempi; launching a daily Orient Express-style theme train route along the Volos-Kalambaka line; and re-introducing a steam engine train along the Volos-Paleofarsalou route.

In the meantime, in relevant news, EU funds have been approved for the implementation of 14 modern railway projects across Greece, including upgrade works along the Athens-Patra line.