# Greek hybrid Intercity train rollout > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/greek-hybrid-intercity-train-rollout > Updated: 2026-07-31T09:18:22.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2. In early July 2026 Greece received the first two Blues Intercity train sets built by Hitachi Rail for Hellenic Train. The units, each with 200 seats and a top speed of 160 km/h, feature hybrid propulsion that can cut fuel use and emissions by up to half. By the end of July, Hellenic Train began dynamic testing of the first hybrid train on the Thessaloniki–Platy–Katerini–Larissa stretch, extending the trials across the full Athens‑Thessaloniki corridor. The three‑week program checks VHF communication, signaling, ETCS compatibility and overall fit with Greek rail infrastructure. Successful completion will lead to a technical dossier for certification by the end of 2026, completing the fleet renewal for the main intercity line. ## Claims - The first hybrid Intercity Blues IC train arrived in Thessaloniki on 6 July 2026. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The second hybrid Intercity Blues IC train arrived in Thessaloniki on 30 July 2026. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Dynamic tests started on the Thessaloniki–Platy–Katerini–Larissa segment and will extend over the Athens–Thessaloniki axis. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The test programme lasts about three weeks and includes checks of VHF communication, signalling, ETCS and compatibility with Greek rail infrastructure. (corroborated by 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. (corroborated by 3 sources) - A technical dossier will be submitted to the Regulatory Authority of Railways (RAΣ) aiming for approval by the end of 2026. (corroborated by 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. (corroborated by 3 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-07-31: Hellenic Train begins dynamic tests of new hybrid Intercity Blues IC trains on Athens‑Thessaloniki line Hellenic Train started three‑week dynamic tests of two new hybrid Intercity Blues IC trains, arriving in Thessaloniki in July 2026, aiming for RAΣ approval by year‑end. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hellenic-train-begins-dynamic-tests-of-new-hybrid-intercity-blues-ic-trains-on-athensthessaloniki-li ### 2026-07-06: Greece receives first Blues Intercity train sets for Hellenic Train Two Hitachi‑built Blues Intercity trains arrived in Thessaloniki on July 5, marking a step in Greece's rail modernisation under a 2025 Greece‑FS agreement. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greece-receives-first-blues-intercity-train-sets-for-hellenic-train --- Cite as: Greek hybrid Intercity train rollout. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/greek-hybrid-intercity-train-rollout