Northern Greece Leads Next Wave of Railway Modernization Projects

Northern Greece Leads Next Wave of Railway Modernization Projects

Πηγή: ypodomes.com

Newsroom

07.07.2026

A series of major new railway projects is set to move forward in Greece, according to the long-term planning of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport. As the current construction contracts near completion, a new generation of projects is expected to continue the country’s railway modernization program.

At present, the most significant ongoing projects are the railway restoration works in Thessaly, which are in their final stages. In addition, several major projects launched in recent years are progressing across the country.

In Attica, three key projects are underway. The first is the Western Attica Suburban Railway, which involves the reactivation of the old Ano Liosia–Megara railway line by METKA. The second is the Sepolia Railway Tunnel, while the third is the upgrade of infrastructure at Athens Central Railway Station. Both of the latter projects are being carried out by AKTOR.

At the same time, major electrification projects are advancing on the Paleofarsalos–Kalambaka section (executed by AVAX), the Larissa–Volos line (AKTOR), and the Kiato–Aigio section (TERNA–METKA). Other important projects include the construction of the new double-track Aigio–Rio railway line and the reopening of the Isthmus–Loutraki railway line. Finally, another major project currently underway is the signaling upgrade on the Thessaloniki–Idomeni railway corridor, also being implemented by AVAX.

The New Generation of Railway Projects

The next generation of railway investments is centered on Northern Greece and is expected to shape the next phase of the country’s rail network modernization. The most significant project is the new Nea Karvali–Toxotes (Xanthi) railway line.

The project involves the construction of a new single-track railway line approximately 32 kilometers long, connecting Nea Karvali with Toxotes in Xanthi. It also includes a 5.3-kilometer branch line linking the Commercial Port of Kavala to the existing railway network.

The project has an estimated budget of €192.5 million and is co-funded through the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF). However, the tender process was recently put on hold after the Hellenic Court of Audit blocked the signing of the contract.

Another major project is the upgrade of the Alexandroupoli–Ormenio railway line, which forms the Greek section of the so-called Bosporus Bypass. The project involves the comprehensive modernization of the existing 176-kilometer single-track railway line. It includes infrastructure provisions for a future double track, the installation of electrification, and modern signaling and telecommunications systems (ERTMS). The line has emerged as a strategic transport corridor linking the Aegean Sea (Alexandroupoli) with the Black Sea and forms part of the planned European railway corridor. An active tender is currently underway and is expected to be completed, as the project has secured funding through the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF).

Another key investment is the dual railway project in Thessaloniki, which includes the rail connection of Pier 6 at the Port of Thessaloniki to the national railway network, as well as the development of the Western Suburban Railway, serving the western side of the city’s metropolitan area. An active tender process is also underway for this project and is expected to conclude, as funding appears to have been secured.

Another highly significant project is the upgrade of the SKA–Oinoi railway section. The project covers the modernization of the approximately 52-kilometer double-track railway line between SKA (Acharnes Railway Center) and Oinoi, improvements to infrastructure at the intermediate railway stations, the upgrade of the Oinoi and Aliartos railway stations, and the construction of a new railway stop at Oinofyta.

Under the project, the 54-kilometer SKA–Oinoi section will be upgraded to allow trains to operate at speeds of 160–200 km/h. To achieve this, the existing railway infrastructure will be replaced, a new track system will be installed, and modern electromechanical systems—including signaling and the European Train Control System (ETCS)—will be deployed.

The electrification of the Thessaloniki–Promachonas railway line, which connects Greece’s national rail network with Bulgaria, is also included in the planning pipeline. The project focuses on upgrading the Mouries–Promachonas section through the installation of an electrification system.

Once completed, the project will enable a direct connection with Bulgaria’s electrified railway network, significantly improving cross-border interoperability and regional rail connectivity. Following its completion, the only remaining non-electrified section on the route will be the Mouries–Thessaloniki segment.

For more details and the complete article in Greek, click here