Greece to install new “smart” digital systems in train stations and railway tunnels

Digital enhancement is coming to the railway system, with the introduction of entry-exit gates at stations, telematics for train schedules, and security systems in railway tunnels.

The goal is the step-by-step improvement of railway infrastructure and the enhancement of the passenger experience, which currently remains at low levels.

These are two separate projects aimed at bringing the Greek railway system into the digital age. The first project involves the installation of entry-exit gates at railway stations to ensure smooth and safe use of the trains, while also addressing the issue of fare evasion, which is primarily observed on the suburban railway .

The ticket control gates will not be installed at the station entrances but at the platform entrances. Similarly, when passengers disembark from the train, they will be able to exit the platforms by presenting their ticket again. Similar systems are already in operation across Europe, in countries like Spain, the UK, and others.

What will be interesting is that the entry and exit gate system for the Athens suburban railway  will need to be compatible with the OASA system, ensuring interoperability between the systems. This means that passengers will be able to use the same ticket for the suburban railway—within the urban section—as they do for the metro, buses, or trams.

Additionally, the project includes the implementation of a modern telematics and passenger information system for train schedules, as the current system operates only in the buildings of the two major stations. The new system will provide real-time information to passengers, both on-site and via mobile phones, enhancing the overall travel experience.

The relevant tender, valued at €36 million excluding VAT, which is part of the digital transformation, has been approved by OSE (Hellenic Railways Organization) and is expected to be launched by early 2025, attracting the interest of technology companies. The project is funded by the Recovery Fund.

Security systems in railway tunnels

Just a few days ago, on October 15th, a contract was signed between the Technical Chamber of Greece  and the consortium TERNA-GLOBILED for the supply of safety infrastructure in the country’s 10 largest railway tunnels. The contract is valued at €29.39 million, excluding VAT.

Essentially, through this project, “smart Internet of Things (IoT) systems” will be installed to address urgent safety issues in tunnels, focusing on fire detection, lighting, and the lack of monitoring of critical structural health parameters. This aligns with the title of the contract and aims to significantly improve the safety and operational efficiency of the railway tunnels.

The tunnels where these specific IoT safety systems will be installed are the following:

1. Kallidromos Tunnel – 9.3 km.
2. Othrys Tunnel – 7.02 km.
3. Tempi Tunnel – 5 km.
4. Panagopoula Tunnel – 4.5 km.
5. Perama Tunnel – 3.5 km.
6. Aigio Tunnel – 3.5 km.
7. Platanos Tunnel – 2.4 km.
8. Platamonas Tunnel – 4.3 km.
9. Kakia Skala Tunnel – 2.4 km.
10. Trapeza Tunnel – 2.2 km.

More specifically, the project includes:

1. The development of integrated smart fire detection systems through the installation of IoT smoke and fire detection sensors. These sensors will transmit real-time data on their status to a central control panel, ensuring immediate awareness and response to any fire-related incidents in the tunnels.
2. The development of smart tunnels for real-time monitoring of their structural response using modern IoT systems and methodologies for instrumented structural health monitoring (Real-Time Structural Health Monitoring – RTSHM). This will enable continuous assessment of the tunnels’ structural integrity, allowing for timely interventions if any issues arise.
3. Τhe project includes smart tunnel lighting and the legal-required photomarking of emergency exits, managed through a telemanagement system. Additionally, it encompasses user training services, administrator training, and the distribution of educational materials, along with overall project management services, in accordance with the terms and specifications outlined in Article 1.3.1 of the announcement and Appendices I and II of the announcement.

These projects are funded by the Recovery Fund. The duration of the contract is set at 14 months, meaning that completion is expected by the end of 2025, barring any delays.

Furthermore, there is an option within the project’s scope for the potential expansion of the physical scope to include additional tunnels beyond those previously mentioned.

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