Thessaloniki Looks Forward to New Metro and Other Key Development Projects

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis recently referred to a series of infrastructure and development projects that will be key to quality of life and economic growth in Thessaloniki, northern Greece.

“I believe that there is no other area, no other city of our country, in which so many important infrastructure and development projects are taking place at once… The most important thing is that Thessaloniki residents themselves realize that things in their city are finally changing,” the Greek PM said while speaking to the press during the 85th Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) on Sunday.

Thessaloniki metro 

Starting from Thessaloniki’s underground metro system, a much-delayed project due to the constant discovery of archaeological artifacts, the PM said that works for the main line will be completed according to schedule by the end of 2023. When completed, the metro in Thessaloniki will be 9.6 kilometres long and will have 13 stations.

Thessaloniki Metro map (the main line is in red color).

During his statements to the press, Mitsotakis said that a study is currently being carried out for the metro system’s extension towards the densely populated northwestern area of Thessaloniki.

“Northwest Thessaloniki also deserves to be able to enjoy a modern, safe and fast means of public transport,” he said.

More projects

The creation of a metropolitan park in the area of the historic ‘Pavlos Melas’ army camp in western Thessaloniki was another important project highlighted by the prime minister.

Mitsotakis said works for the creation of the park will begin in the coming months following the issue of a presidential decree on the project’s special urban plan.

The Greek PM went on and listed other projects that will soon begin, including the construction of a 40 km coastal front from Kalochori to Nea Michaniona and the creation of a new cancer hospital in western Thessaloniki. He also referred to plans for new PAOK and Aris soccer stadiums.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis speaking to journalists during a press conference held on the sidelines of the 85th Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF).

“Thessaloniki is a prosperous city… A city that attracts significant foreign investment, not only because it is a beautiful city with an excellent quality of life, with improved infrastructure, but mainly because it has an excellent human resources. I think companies like Pfizer, Deloitte, see this so they add a significant number of job positions here in Thessaloniki,” the Greek PM said.

Mitsotakis also referred to initiatives undertaken by the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and informed of an English-language undergraduate medical program with tuition fees of up to 12,000 euros. The program has attracted university students from abroad.

“Thessaloniki, a city that promotes research, innovation, education, is definitely a city that has a bright future,” he said.

New railway connection

Greek Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Costas Karamanlis (center) with the Greek PM at the 85th Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF). Photo source: @karamanlis_k

Moreover, during the 85th TIF fair, Greek Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Costas Karamanlis said that a new railway connection with Thessaloniki’s port would soon be announced.

According to the minister, a package of 3.3 billion euros will be available to fund railway projects for all of Greece, including Thessaloniki.

“With regard to Thessaloniki we will be ready to announce the railway connection with the port, the Thessaloniki – Toxotes project, as well as the suburban line to the west,” he said.

New conference center

Another major project that will soon kick off in Thessaloniki is the complete revamp of the city’s international exhibition center.

Under a budget of 200 million euros, the project foresees the design under the highest standards of an environmentally friendly, state-of-the-art exhibition and conference center.

Expected to be completed in 2026, the city’s new international exhibition center will then be known as the Thessaloniki ConfEx Park and will include exhibition facilities; commercial, office, recreation and hotel infrastructure; a new conference center along with a luxury exhibition space; and an urban park.

The aim of the revamp is to transform Thessaloniki into a leading international business hub and tourism destination in Europe.

Thessaloniki Makedonia Airport has been revamped

It is reminded that earlier this year final upgrade works were completed at Thessaloniki Makedonia Airport by Fraport Greece.

The 100-million-euro development created a new terminal complex aimed to rival Europe’s most popular airports. More check-in space, twice as many departure gates, and a wide range of attractive restaurant and shopping facilities now shape a completely new environment at the international gateway to Greece’s second largest city.