Athens Metro Line 4 work triggers cracks and subsidence in Kypseli homes

Underground tunnelling for Metro Line 4 in the Kypseli district of Athens has caused visible cracks in walls, plaster, floor tiles and measurable subsidence in more than 15‑20 apartment blocks, affecting roughly 200 apartments. Residents report diagonal fissures, falling plaster and audible tremors, and many have temporarily left their homes out of safety concerns.

The works were halted on 8 May 2026 after the contractor detected unexpected ground movements that exceeded the design predictions. The Greek Ministry of Infrastructure, the Technical Chamber of Greece and independent engineering experts have been tasked with a detailed structural assessment and a new geotechnical study before any restart.

Mayor Haris Doukas has demanded three guarantees from the project’s operator, Elliniko Metro AE: written confirmation of the static adequacy of all affected buildings by an independent public body, prompt compensation and repair for the damage, and full transparency on the expert report and the conditions for resuming work. Elliniko Metro maintains that no building has lost its structural integrity, that the observed damage is reversible, and that it will fund all necessary repairs, but it has agreed to the independent assessment, which is expected within the next two weeks.