[REVISION HISTORY]

Thessaloniki Metro: Kalamaria launch and transport updates

Updated 28 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-09-02 21:50 UTC → 2026-09-03 20:08 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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.

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