Greece to establish new Egnatia Odos Highway Police Department

A new Egnatia Odos Highway Police Department is in the final stages of establishment, to be headquartered at the Polymylou tolls. The unit will operate under the Imatia Police Directorate, covering the section of the Egnatia Odos from the Veria junction through Polymylou to western Grevena.

Deputy Minister Lazaros Tsavdaridis announced that a Presidential Decree is expected to be signed within the coming days. To prevent the weakening of existing local police forces, the new department will be primarily staffed by officers from outside the Imatia Police Directorate. The installation and equipment of the new unit will be fully funded by the Egnatia Odos concessionaire, while the Ministry of Citizen Protection will provide the necessary personnel.

Additionally, discussions included strengthening the Imatia Police Directorate ahead of expected retirements in early 2027. Newly allocated special guards in Imatia will be utilized for the protection of local archaeological sites and cultural monuments.