Athens Metro: plans for expanding the network to 100 stations – Which 6 new extensions are being planned

After a decade where the Metro projects had been concentrated on the expansion of line 3 in Piraeus and the effort to start the implementation of line 4, new goals seem to be set for the coming years. The goal is the interconnection with other means, the expansion of the network, and the creation of new development poles in the capital.

In the last 12 months, we have heard the announcement of a series of new Metro projects, which with their prioritization will make Athens a city more friendly to the citizen and its visitor. It is estimated that with the expansion of line 3 and the new stations of line 4 the Athenian network will reach approximately 86 stations. With the new expansions that have now been nominated, Athens now aims to exceed 100 stations.

The 6 extensions that are prioritized are the extensions of line 2 to Ilion with three stations and to Glyfada with two others. These are the extensions of line 4 to Maroussi-National Road with 11 stations in the north and to the west to Perissos with two other stations. It is also the connection of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center with the Metro (from Petralona or via line 4) and the undergrounding of line 1 in the Faliro-Piraeus section with another station.

Line 2 goes to Ilion, Glyfada is also examined

The Ministry of Infrastructure and the Attiko Metro targeted the north-western extension from Anthoupolis (Peristeri) to reach Agios Nikolaos station in Ilion. The 3 stations create even better transport conditions in the crowded areas of Petroupoli, Ilio and Kamatero. The goal is to bid in about a year from today. The project has been pre-included in the NSRF 2021-2027.

To the south, the final extension of the medium to the center of Glyfada with two stations is being examined. Strange as it may seem, in 2000, when the first sections of lines 2 and 3 were operational, the goal was for the medium to be extended to Glyfada in 2006. This was not achieved and having in mind the large investment in Elliniko, the extension of line 2 came to the surface again. The project needs design and financial maturity.

The extensions of line 4

The news is “fresh” for future line 4 extensions. According to the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Costas Karamanlis, the first extension will be to the north-west up to Perissos with two stations to connect with line 1. The big news comes from the minister’s statement that the first studies have started (topographic ) for the large extension of line 4 to the north. It will reach Maroussi via Kifissia and from there via Pefki and Lykovrisi it will reach Ethniki Odos.

This is a large extension with 11 new stations that will complete the connection of the northern suburbs with the Metro network of the city. For the first time, areas such as Pefki and Lykovrisi will be connected and the metro will “touch” the Athens-Lamia National Road where it will become a large hub for those who will have a route to the city.

These two projects currently need maturation. If the studies run it is a project that we will see evolving in the next decade. The conditional extension to Perissos could run even earlier due to a smaller object.

The Niarchos Cultural Center and the undergrounding

In the plans of the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Attiko Metro, however, there are two more projects. The first is the undergrounding of line 1 from Faliro to Piraeus. It is a great request of the Municipality of Piraeus to improve the traffic connection with the port and the surrounding areas. The object also includes the addition of a station. The studies need updating for the project that has been pre-included in the NSRF 2021-2027.

The second goal is for the Metro to reach the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center. This is a commitment of the Greek state to the foundation, a constant request from the start of construction of the complex which today is one of the most important parts of the city for residents and visitors.

In this case, according to the same sources, there are several alternative routes being considered. The first is to make a branch from Line 1 and specifically from Petralona station that will serve the densely populated neighborhoods of Kallithea and will end at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center.

The second is the descent of the Metro, at Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center with another line, either of Line 2 (with a branch from Syggrou-Fix) or with the descent of the future line 5 that starts from Ano Ilioupoli passes through Pagrati, will have common stations with line 4 to the Academy. A scenario wants her to go down to Piraeus Street and from there further south to the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center.