Here are Greece’s Top-5 strategic infrastructure projects financed by the EU

The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport has identified five strategically significant projects in the new NSRF 2021-2027. These projects were selected based on criteria such as their contributions to environmental sustainability, employment, and economic growth, and they are designated as flagship projects due to their scale.

These projects, as outlined in the new NSRF 2021-2027, are distributed across the country and are considered landmarks either because of their significant importance or because they will serve as instruments for enhancing everyday life and the quality of living in the nation.

The five flagship projects include:

• Construction of Line 4 of the Athens Metro in the Alsos Veikou-Goudis section
• Network upgrade/restructuring and development of zero-emission bus fleets in Athens and Thessaloniki (subphase A2)
• Construction of the New Double Railway Line ATHENS (SKA) – PATRAS in the RODODAFNI – RIO section (Infrastructure, Electrification, Signalling/ETCS, Stations and Stops)
• Northern Road Axis of Crete (BOAK): CHANIA-HERSONISSOS section
• Extension, Upgrade, and Modernization of the National VTMIS System

1. Line 4 of the Athens Metro

Line 4 of the Athens Metro is the largest public project currently underway in the country. The contract was signed in June 2021 with an estimated completion year of 2029 and a budget of 1.77 billion euros. Elliniko Metro SA is the contracting authority.

This project involves constructing the Alsos Veikou-Goudis section of the new Line 4, spanning approximately 12.8 km with fifteen new stations. These stations include Alsos Veikou, Galatsi, Helikonos, Kypseli, Dikastiria, Alexandras, Exarchia, Akadimia, Kolonaki, Evangelismos, Kaisariani, University, Ilisia, Zografou, and Goudi. The project also encompasses the acquisition of rolling stock and all necessary electromechanical and railway systems for Line 4’s operation.

Upon completion, this project will enhance urban planning and traffic management in the densely populated Central Sector of Athens, alleviating congestion. The increased accessibility provided by the Metro lines will promote the use of green public transport, as it will reduce the time distance and increase the number of areas served.

Moreover, the project is expected to encourage the adoption of ‘green’, environmentally friendly transportation options, reducing air pollution and noise emissions from road traffic. The project is being carried out by ERETVO for preliminary works and the AVAX-GHELLA-ALSTOM consortium for the main project.

2. Introduction of Zero-Emission City Buses in Athens and Thessaloniki

This initiative entails the procurement of a total of 1,300 new buses for Athens and Thessaloniki. The initial phase will see the introduction of 250 electric buses (140 in Athens and 110 in Thessaloniki) and an additional 400 natural gas buses for Athens. Meanwhile, preparations are underway for a new tender to acquire another 550 buses, with the majority being electric. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport is overseeing this project.

The objective of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport is to integrate all 1,300 buses into the existing fleets of Athens and Thessaloniki by 2027. These new zero-emission city buses will bolster the role of public transportation in emissions reduction in the two largest cities of the country, transforming their fleets into environmentally-friendly modes of transport.

3. New Double Railway Line Rododafni-Rio

Construction on this project commenced in November 2021 and serves as a continuation from previous funding under NSRF 2014-2020. ERGOSE is the Contracting Authority, with TERNA-METKA as the contractor. The total cost, including VAT, amounts to 175 million euros.

The project scope encompasses:

• Construction of 28.8 km of double railway lines from the entrance of Sid. Stasis Rododafni to the completion of the underground project (Cover and Cut) at Rio.
• Establishment of 4 Railway Stops (Rododafni, Selianitika, Kamares, Agios Vasilios with C&C), 3 Railway Stations (Psathopyrgos, Arachovitika, and Rio), two Tunnel Facilities Service Buildings (KES) (entrance & exit of Panagopoula tunnel) with surrounding areas, and the formation of connecting arcade No. 5 of the Panagopoula tunnel for the housing of Y/S-2.
• Implementation of IT facilities inside the Panagopoula tunnel, its service buildings (KES), technical areas of the Y/S-2 of interconnector No. 5, and the C&C at Ag.Vasilios.
• Installation of a modern two-way signalling system with remote control and ETCS level 1.
• Deployment of a 25kV/50Hz system for electromobility, with remote control (SCADA).
• Establishment of a modern Telecommunications system.
• “EK” Verification of subsystems “infrastructure,” “energy,” and “inspection – control and signaling” under the current project.

4. Northern Road Axis of Crete – Chania-Hersonissos Section

This project encompasses the primary segment of the Northern Road Axis of Crete, linking Chania with Rethymnon and Heraklion along the island’s northern coastline, spanning approximately 157 kilometres.

The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport oversees this project, which has progressed to an advanced stage in the tendering process. The estimated project cost amounts to 1.8 billion euros and is being implemented as a concession project.

The goal is to finalize the temporary contractor selection by this summer to proceed with the pre-contractual phase in the subsequent months, leading to contract signing and commencement of the construction period.

Upon completion of the Chania-Hersonissos section, the BOAK will be transformed into a secure closed highway with 2 lanes + LEA per traffic stream, serving as a pivotal measure in significantly reducing the currently high rate of car accidents on the existing national road.

5. Expansion, Upgrade, and Modernization of the National VTMIS System

The fifth strategic project under the NSRF 2021-2027 of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport is focused on the “Expansion, Upgrade, and Modernization of the National VTMIS System,” with an estimated budget of 49 million euros.

The tender process for the project assignment is ongoing, with an expected signing date this summer to kickstart its implementation. This project completes the list of the 5 strategic projects under the NSRF 2021-2027 of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport.