Hellenic Train begins dynamic tests of new hybrid Intercity Blues IC trains on Athens‑Thessaloniki line

Hellenic Train Blues IC hybrid intercity Athens‑Thessaloniki dynamic testing

Hellenic Train announced that dynamic testing of the first hybrid Intercity Blues IC train has started on the Thessaloniki–Platy–Katerini–Larissa segment and will extend over the full Athens–Thessaloniki axis. The first unit arrived in Thessaloniki on 6 July 2026 after departing Italy on 1 July, and the second unit reached the city on 30 July 2026 following its departure from Hitachi Rail’s Pistoia plant on 21 July.

The test programme, expected to last about three weeks, includes verification of VHF communication, signaling, the European Train Control System (ETCS) and overall compatibility with Greek rail infrastructure. Each train offers 200 seats, a maximum speed of 160 km/h and hybrid propulsion that cuts fuel consumption by up to 50 % versus conventional diesel units, while also lowering NOx and CO₂ emissions.

Upon completion, a technical dossier will be submitted to the Regulatory Authority of Railways (RAΣ) with the goal of securing certification by the end of 2026. The Blues IC units, built by Hitachi Rail, are part of Hellenic Train’s fleet renewal for the Athens‑Thessaloniki corridor.

Entities

Athens‑Thessaloniki railway line · Hellenic Train · Hitachi Rail · Intercity Blues IC · Regulatory Authority of Railways (RAΣ)

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.

[● 3 SOURCES] The second hybrid Intercity Blues IC train arrived in Thessaloniki on 30 July 2026. www.businessdaily.gr · seleo.gr · www.powergame.gr
[● 3 SOURCES] The Blues IC trains are built by Hitachi Rail as part of Hellenic Train's fleet renewal programme for the Athens‑Thessaloniki line. www.businessdaily.gr · seleo.gr · www.powergame.gr
[● 3 SOURCES] The first hybrid Intercity Blues IC train arrived in Thessaloniki on 6 July 2026. www.businessdaily.gr · seleo.gr · www.powergame.gr
[● 3 SOURCES] A technical dossier will be submitted to the Regulatory Authority of Railways (RAΣ) aiming for approval by the end of 2026. www.businessdaily.gr · seleo.gr · www.powergame.gr
[● 3 SOURCES] The test programme lasts about three weeks and includes checks of VHF communication, signalling, ETCS and compatibility with Greek rail infrastructure. www.businessdaily.gr · seleo.gr · www.powergame.gr
[● 3 SOURCES] Dynamic tests started on the Thessaloniki–Platy–Katerini–Larissa segment and will extend over the Athens–Thessaloniki axis. www.businessdaily.gr · seleo.gr · www.powergame.gr
[● 3 SOURCES] Each train has a capacity of 200 passengers, a top speed of 160 km/h and hybrid technology that reduces fuel consumption by up to 50% compared with conventional diesel trains. www.businessdaily.gr · seleo.gr · www.powergame.gr

Sources

Έφτασαν στη Θεσσαλονίκη οι δύο νέοι υβριδικοί συρμοί Intercity - larissanet. gr [www.larissanet.gr]

14 days ago

Στη Θεσσαλονίκη οι νέοι υβριδικοί Intercity για το δρομολόγιο Αθήνα [www.businessdaily.gr]

15 days ago

Hellenic Train: Σε εξέλιξη οι δυναμικές δοκιμές του πρώτου νέου υβριδικού συρμού Intercity - Έφτασε στη Θεσσαλονίκη και ο δεύτερος - Seleo. gr [seleo.gr]

15 days ago

Στη Θεσσαλονίκη οι νέοι υβριδικοί Intercity για τη σύνδεση με Αθήνα [ypodomes.com]

15 days ago

Σε εξέλιξη οι δοκιμές του πρώτου Blues Intercity της Hellenic Train - Στη Θεσσαλονίκη και ο δεύτερος [www.naftemporiki.gr]

15 days ago

Hellenic Train: Στις ράγες για δοκιμές το πρώτο Blues IC [www.powergame.gr]

15 days ago