# Thessaloniki Metro: Kalamaria launch and transport updates > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/thessaloniki-metro-expansion-project > Updated: 2026-09-02T18:36:00.000Z. Sources: 92. Developments: 12. The Thessaloniki Metro expansion toward Kalamaria reached a major milestone with the inauguration of the 4.8-kilometer extension on August 27, 2026. The new route adds five stations—Nomarchia, Kalamaria, Aretsou, Nea Krini, and Mikra—connecting the Mikra station directly to the city center. Prior to the launch, officials noted that the project faced complexities including incomplete original designs and technical challenges such as signal congestion. Following authorization by Deputy Minister Nikos Tachiaos and safety certification by TÜV Rheinland, commercial operations commenced. An inauguration ceremony at Mikra station was attended by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and other high-ranking officials. The project, completed by the AKTOR Group in collaboration with Hitachi, represents the first branch in an automated metro system in Greek technical history. Following the launch, the Aretsou station was vandalized by unknown individuals using red spray paint. Specialized crews from Elliniko Metro restored the site, and officials are reviewing security measures. In response to the expansion, the Thessaloniki Transport Project Organization (OSETH) implemented new bus routes effective September 1, 2026, to integrate with the metro. This includes the M2 line connecting Mikra to A.S. IKEA and the X3 airport line, which provides a direct connection between Mikra and Makedonia Airport. To support the 90th International Thessaloniki Fair, Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Christos Dimas announced pilot 24-hour metro operations for the first two weekends of September. Dimas noted that the main metro line has already contributed to a 15% reduction in city center traffic, while studies have begun for further extensions to northwestern Thessaloniki and potential airport connections. As of early September 2026, the Kalamaria expansion is estimated to add 60,000 daily passengers and remove 12,000 vehicles from the roads daily. To further modernize the city’s transit, 50 new electric articulated buses are being integrated into the OASTH fleet. ## Claims - The extension is expected to remove between 13,000 and 15,000 vehicles from central roads. (disputed by 5 sources) - The extension is estimated to reduce vehicle traffic by approximately 12,000 units. (disputed) - The extension includes five new stations: Nomarchia, Kalamaria, Aretsou, Nea Krini, and Mikra. (corroborated by 31 sources) - The Thessaloniki Metro extension to Kalamaria will begin commercial operations on Thursday, August 27, 2026. (corroborated by 25 sources) - The new line is approximately 4.5 to 4.8 kilometers long. (corroborated by 18 sources) - Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis attended the inauguration ceremony. (corroborated by 14 sources) - Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Nikos Tachiaos signed the decision to authorize the commercial operation of the Thessaloniki Metro extension. (corroborated by 12 sources) - The independent body TÜV Rheinland issued the necessary safety certificate for the operation of the metro network. (corroborated by 10 sources) - The extension is expected to add approximately 60,000 passengers to the daily network traffic. (corroborated by 9 sources) - The project includes the procurement of 15 new train sets. (corroborated by 6 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-02: Thessaloniki infrastructure: Flyover project reaches 62% completion Thessaloniki's major infrastructure works are advancing, with the Flyover highway 62% complete and discussions underway for 24-hour weekend Metro service to improve urban mobility and safety. 15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/thessaloniki-metro-expansion-and-weekend-service-plans ### 2026-08-31: Thessaloniki implements new bus routes for Kalamaria Thessaloniki is implementing new bus routes in Kalamaria starting September 1, 2026, including a direct X3 metro-to-airport connection. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/thessaloniki-implements-new-bus-routes-for-kalamaria-1 ### 2026-08-29: Thessaloniki Metro station vandalized days after extension launch Unknown individuals vandalized the Aretsou station of the Thessaloniki Metro with red spray paint just two days after the Kalamaria extension opened. Authorities are reviewing footage to identify the suspects. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/thessaloniki-metro-station-vandalized-days-after-extension-launch ### 2026-08-27: Thessaloniki Metro expands to Kalamaria with five new stations The Thessaloniki Metro has expanded to Kalamaria with five new stations, aiming to reduce traffic and CO2 emissions while integrating digital navigation and tap-and-pay payment systems. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/thessaloniki-metro-expands-to-kalamaria-and-integrates-with-google-maps ### 2026-08-27: AKTOR Group delivers Thessaloniki Metro expansion to Kalamaia AKTOR Group has delivered the Thessaloniki Metro expansion to Kalamaia, featuring five new stations and marking Greece's first automated metro branch. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aktor-group-delivers-thessaloniki-metro-expansion-to-kalamaia ### 2026-08-25: Thessaloniki Metro expands to Kalamaria with five new stations The Thessaloniki Metro has launched its 4.8km extension to Kalamaria, adding five new stations and expected to serve up to 80,000 daily passengers while significantly reducing city center traffic. 72 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/thessaloniki-metro-expands-to-kalamaia-with-new-stations-and-bus-route-changes ### 2026-08-25: Thessaloniki Metro expansion faces parliamentary inquiry PASOK MPs Rania Thrasia and Michalis Hurdakis are demanding clarity on the timeline and funding for the Thessaloniki Metro expansion into Western Thessaloniki following the start of preliminary works. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/thessaloniki-metro-expansion-faces-parliamentary-inquiry ### 2026-08-20: Thessaloniki Metro expands to Kalamaia with new bus routes Thessaloniki is expanding its metro to Kalamaia, introducing five new stations and a restructured bus network starting late August 2026 to improve regional connectivity. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kalamaria-bus-routes-to-change-following-metro-extension ### 2026-08-18: Thessaloniki Metro expansion to Kalamaia set for August 27 opening The Thessaloniki Metro expansion to Kalamaia is set to open on August 27, adding five new stations and 4.8 km of track to the network, aiming to serve 80,000 daily passengers. 18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/thessaloniki-metro-expansion-to-kalamaria-enters-final-testing-phase ### 2026-08-15: Thessaloniki Metro expansion to Kalamaria enters final phase The Thessaloniki Metro expansion to Kalamaria is entering its final testing phase, with commercial service expected to begin in August, adding five new stations to the network. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/thessaloniki-metro-expansion-to-kalamaria-enters-final-phase ### 2026-08-13: Thessaloniki Metro begins western expansion works Elliniko Metro and AKTOR have signed a contract to begin preliminary works for the Thessaloniki Metro expansion toward the city's western districts. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/thessaloniki-metro-begins-western-expansion-works ### 2026-08-06: Thessaloniki Metro extension trial runs begin Thessaloniki Metro’s Kalamaria extension begins night‑time trial runs; full service slated for end‑August 2026, adding 33 trains to the network. 20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/thessaloniki-metro-extension-to-kalamaria-begins-trial-runs --- Cite as: Thessaloniki Metro: Kalamaria launch and transport updates. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/thessaloniki-metro-expansion-project