Athens and Thessaloniki Metro Projects Progress: Timelines and Challenges

Photo source: Transport Ministry.

Greece’s Deputy Minister for Transportation, Nikos Tahiaos, has provided key updates on the progress of major transportation projects in Athens and Thessaloniki, highlighting both the challenges and the government’s efforts to improve urban mobility. While court disputes have delayed some aspects of the Athens Metro expansion, there is optimism that the project could be completed by the end of the decade. In Thessaloniki, the metro is on track to begin operations soon, offering a crucial solution to the city’s traffic issues. Tahiaos also outlined the importance of coordinated infrastructure improvements, including road projects, to ease congestion in both cities.

Athens Metro Line 4:

Referring to the public reactions concerning the two stations of Line 4 in the Athenian neighborhoods of Exarhia and Evangelismos (Rizari Park), Minister Tahiaos emphasized, “We owe infrastructure improvements to Athens,” adding, “These challenges can be addressed with thoughtful and modest approaches.”

Line 4 of the Athens Metro, which is under development, will connect the suburb of Alsos Veikou to the Goudi neighborhood within Athens. The line will span 13 kilometers, include 15 stations, and is expected to serve 340,000 passengers daily.

Line 4 Metro

Thessaloniki Metro Project Progress:

Minister Tahiaos made these remarks during an interview following the opening of the Thessaloniki International Fair, where he reiterated that the Thessaloniki Metro will be operational by November 30th, marking “a day of celebration for the city.”

He emphasized that the metro will be handed over as a fully operational and safe system. Commenting on the planned extension of the metro line toward Kalamaria, the minister stated that it could be completed by the end of 2025. He also pointed out that the current project has remained on schedule over the last few years, with the Venizelos station completed in record time, fostering confidence that the upcoming extensions will also be delivered on time.

Future Metro Expansions:

When asked about the possibility of further expansions, Minister Tahiaos referred to a study on the Thessaloniki Metro’s development, which identified the greatest need for rail services in the northwestern parts of the city. However, he cautioned that “the basic metro line must first become operational, and the necessary resources must be secured” before proceeding with new extensions.

Addressing Traffic Concerns:

The minister also acknowledged the current challenges facing drivers in Thessaloniki due to ongoing construction, particularly related to the city’s new flyover project. He explained that the flyover is a vital development that will create an additional traffic corridor to bypass the city center, complementing the existing beltway.

“In any case,” Tahiaos noted, “to effectively reduce traffic congestion, a significant portion of trips to downtown Thessaloniki must be made via the metro.” He also specified that during peak hours, the metro will operate at intervals of 2.5 minutes, ensuring a smooth and efficient service for commuters.