[REVISION HISTORY]

Greece railway infrastructure restoration

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What changed

2026-08-31 19:34 UTC → 2026-09-03 20:11 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Efforts to restore the Athens–Thessaloniki railway axis in Greece, following damage from extreme weather events ‘Daniel’ and ‘Elias’ in 2023, have reached significant milestones. As of late August 2026, restoration works on the central axis are nearing completion. This includes the restoration of approximately 40 kilometers of double-track line between Domokos and Krannonas, a project contracted to METKA for approximately €166.66 million. The broader €450.12 million restoration plan also encompasses repairing single-track lines on the Paleofarsalos–Kalambaka and Larissa–Volos sections. Once finalized, the central axis is expected to support eight daily trips by September 2026, with a long-term goal of 12 daily trips by 2027 and reduced travel times of approximately 3.5 hours. While the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport approved a three-month extension for specific electrification and ETCS Level 1 systems on the Paleofarsalos–Krannonas section—setting a new deadline of October 29, 2026—other safety upgrades have progressed. Konstantinos Kyranakis, Secretary of New Democracy, announced that the line has transitioned to 100% remote control following the full installation of the European Train Control System (ETCS) and the completion of double-track construction. He noted that no extensions were granted for remote control, signaling, or ETCS components. Additionally, the railway.gov.gr platform has been launched to allow citizens to track train positions in real time. By August 31, 2026, officials confirmed that 100% telecontrol and the ETCS are now fully operational on the Athens–Thessaloniki axis. Kyranakis stated the project was completed within its 15-month timeframe, marking a first for the Greek railway system. In early September 2026, the first passenger train journey was completed on the Athens-Thessaloniki line using the full signaling and telecontrol systems. Kyranakis stated that the implementation of these systems significantly enhances transport safety and asserted that, provided the systems remain operational, train collisions can be prevented.

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