Greek Minister Presents Priorities for 2025 to Enhance Transport and Mobility

Greek Minister of Infrastructure & Transport Christos Staikouras speaking in Parliament. Photo source: Transport Ministry

Greek Minister of Infrastructure & Transport Christos Staikouras on Friday outlined the ministry’s key projects for 2024 and presented its strategic initiatives for 2025.

Speaking during the discussion of the government’s draft national budget for 2025 in the Greek Parliament, Staikouras highlighted that despite ongoing international instability, the Greek economy is strengthening, with significant improvements in public finances.

He noted that the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transportation plays a key role in this success by planning, initiating, and delivering critical projects and policies.

Key projects and initiatives for 2025

Staikouras categorized the ministry’s projects and policies for 2025 into eight key areas, which he presented to Parliament. Thee projects include major infrastructure developments aimed at improving transportation and mobility across the country.

Key projects planned for 2025 include:

– The extension of the Thessaloniki metro to Kalamaria
– The completion of the Patra–Pyrgos motorway
– The completion of roadworks connecting Vonitsa to Lefkada
– Continued development of Line 4 of the Athens metro, with all tunnels expected to be completed by 2026
– The connection of the E65 motorway to the Egnatia Highway by the first quarter of 2026
– The fast-progressing construction of the eastern internal ring road in Thessaloniki
– The northern axis road (BOAK) on the island of Crete, with the Chania-Heraklion section expected to be contracted by early 2025
– The new airport in Kasteli, Crete, which is 40 percent complete

In addition, the minister presented the timeline for acquiring new green buses for Athens and Thessaloniki, along with policies aimed at improving road safety, promoting electromobility, and upgrading the energy efficiency of buildings, particularly schools, hospitals, and judicial offices.

Reforming the Greek railway system

Staikouras also highlighted key reforms within the Greek railway system, marking a historic upgrade of infrastructure with EU funding. Technological systems to enhance safety are being introduced, and the Hellenic Railway Organization (OSE) is receiving expanded funding.

The minister detailed the organizational reform of the railway sector, which will simplify the existing complex structure. The three current entities — OSE, ERGOSE, and GAIAOSE — will be merged into a single organization, streamlining management and operations.

Additionally, he explained that the Action Plan for the safety and interoperability of the railway system is being implemented according to EU regulations. Staikouras acknowledged that the challenges facing the Greek railway system are long-standing and require sustained, systematic efforts to resolve.

Green and efficient public transportation

Regarding mass transportation, Minister Staikouras focused on the transition to environmentally friendly transportation systems. The fleet of buses in Athens is set to expand, with 270 new, environmentally friendly buses already in service, and the number expected to increase to 950 by next summer.

In Thessaloniki, 110 new electric buses are already operating, with another 159 scheduled for delivery, meaning that 50 percent of the Thessaloniki Urban Transportation Organization’s fleet will be electric by early 2025.

Staikouras also mentioned ongoing upgrades to the Athens metro fleet, with 14 new coaches being fully maintained and another 9 expected to be upgraded and in service by 2025.

Key achievements of 2024

Reflecting on the achievements of 2024, Staikouras emphasized significant progress in several major infrastructure projects.

The Thessaloniki metro, which he described as the most iconic infrastructure project of the last decade, is now operational.

According to the minister, official data from the Institute for Sustainable Transportation and Networks indicates that with the opening of the Thessaloniki metro on December 1, 2024, the number of vehicles entering the city center has already decreased by 10 percent.

Staikouras said that other notable achievements of the ministry include the advancement of irrigation and anti-flooding projects, the modernization of water and sewage infrastructure, and ongoing maintenance of existing transportation systems.

“The ministry’s efforts contribute directly to improving the quality of life for all citizens, enhancing the national production base, and continuously strengthening our country,” he concluded.