Minister Staikouras Highlights Major Infrastructure Developments in Northern Greece

Flyover, the new Eastern regional road of Thessaloniki. Photo source: Ministry of Transport

Greek Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Christos Staikouras on Monday highlighted ongoing progress with 30 different infrastructure projects currently underway in the Region of Central Macedonia, northern Greece.

Staikouras delivered his report in Thessaloniki during the National Strategy for Regional Development event, which introduced the digital platform erga.gov.gr that provides information on key projects across Greece. The event was attended by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

The event took place ahead of the 88th Thessaloniki International Fair to open on September 7.

Thessaloniki’s metro nears completion

Greek minister of Infrastructures and Transport, Christos Staikouras. Photo source: Ministry of Transport

Discussing the Thessaloniki metro project, Staikouras confirmed that it is in its final phase, including testing of infrastructure systems and rail equipment, as well as securing quality certifications. The metro’s extension to Kalamaria, a suburb of Thessaloniki, is nearly 90 percent complete and is expected to be operational by the end of 2025.

With a budget of 1.46 billion euros, Thessaloniki’s metro is set to begin operations on November 30 this year.

Additional projects highlighted by Christos Staikouras are the following:

– Thessaloniki Flyover: With a budget of 462.77 million euros, this project is expected to be completed by May 2027.

– Railway upgrades: Several railway projects are currently underway. A new Grand Agreement, set to be signed this September, will allocate 202 million euros to upgrade the infrastructure of the Mouries–Promahonas line. This funding will also support the final studies needed for the electrification of the Thessaloniki-Strymonas-Promahonas line.

– Road infrastructure: Key roadworks include the 411-million-euro project to connect Thessaloniki with Edessa and the nearly 200-million-euro project to link the town of Drama with Amphipolis.

– Public transportation: With a total budget of approximately 820 million euros, this initiative includes the procurement of 137 electric buses and an international tender by the Thessaloniki Transport Authority for an additional 220 vehicles.

– Anti-flood measures: Anti-flood works are being implemented in the Thessaloniki suburbs of Kalamaria and Oreokastro.

– Other infrastructure projects: This includes the construction of new court buildings in Edessa, Serres, and Kilkis, as well as the development of new school complexes and other facilities.

88th Thessaloniki International Fair 

Thessaloniki International Fair. Photo source: TIF-Helexpo

Greek government officials are preparing for the upcoming 88th Thessaloniki International Fair, scheduled for September 7-15. The event traditionally serves as a platform for significant policy announcements.

On the first day of the fair, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is expected to deliver a speech outlining his annual agenda on the economy and other key areas of interest.

Organized by TIF-Helexpo, the 88th TIF will focus on Greece’s contemporary challenges, with a strong emphasis on new technological advancements, innovation, and sustainable development. The fair will feature numerous B2B and B2C events, as well as various entertainment and cultural activities open to the public.

This year, Germany will be the honored country at the fair.