Greece Prepares Competition for Biggest-ever Railway Overhaul

The Greek Infrastructure Ministry announced this week that it will soon be launching the country’s largest-ever railway overhaul budgeted at 4 billion euros.

The ministry is set to announce the start of competitions for six next-generation railway projects to be carried out in collaboration with operator Ergose aimed at upgrading the commercial and strategic role of the country’s main ports in Southeastern Europe.

Among others, works include connecting Greece’s largest ports, namely those of Thessaloniki, Patra, Alexandroupoli, Lavrio and Rafina, with the existing railway network. 

In this direction, Ergose approved the terms and conditions of the tender process, which will set into motion the first phase of the competition.

Projects include:

– European Train Control System (ETCS) and electrification of the Alexandroupolis – Ormenio line, budgeted at 1.07 billion euros 

– the construction of a new line linking Thessaloniki – Toxotes, budgeted at 1.68 billion euros

– connecting the 6th pier at Thessaloniki port and constructing a suburban railway in Western Thessaloniki, budgeted at 53.4 million euros

– constructing a new suburban railway line from Koropi junction to Lavrio and modernizing the port, budgeted at 390.5 million euros

– constructing a new suburban railway line to connect the port of Rafina with the existing railway network, budgeted at 308.6 million euros

– completing the new double Kiato – Patra railway line (Rio section) and upgrading Patra port infrastructure, budgeted at 476.5 million euros.

Photo Source: @Ergose

According to the ministry, the competition will include projects with their sub-projects so on delivery they will be immediately operational.

Infrastructure and Transport Minister Kostas Karamanlis referred to the importance of the projects, noting that for the first time in the country’s history “the railway is getting the position it deserves.

“We are setting into motion the largest railway project ever and when it is completed, it will change the transport map. Railway projects mean progress, they strengthen the country’s international position, local development, offer a better quality of life,” he said.

“At the same time, they act as an economic multiplier stimulating the market and creating jobs,” added Karamanlis.