Tenders for new 1 bln euro railway projects in Greece to conclude by 2025

The CEO of ERGOSE, Mr. Christos Palios, spoke about the key railway projects that ERGOSE is planning and implementing, aiming to improve safety, increase the reliability of the railway, and attract a larger share of transportation compared to road transport. He made these remarks at the Green Deal Greece 2024 conference, organized by the Technical Chamber of Greece.

The operational plan of ERGOSE for upgrading critical railway infrastructure focuses on developing a series of projects with secured funding totaling €1 billion, as well as completing all ongoing projects in the national network, which will upgrade 370 km of lines,” noted the CEO of ERGOSE.

A large-scale project that will soon enter the implementation phase is the construction of a new line on the N. Karvali – Toxotes section, which will connect the commercial port of Kavala with the existing railway network. This is the largest railway project of the past decade, with geostrategic significance, as it is part of the European plan for connecting the Baltic, Black Sea, and Aegean Sea.

Another key project entering the implementation phase is the upgrade of the Alexandroupoli – Ormenio line. The submission of binding financial offers and the selection of the contractor will take place within 2025.

Last July, funding approval was achieved from the CEF 2021-2027, and a few days ago, the Grant Agreement was signed with CINEA, the EU’s responsible agency, for the Pythio – Ormenio section. In the new call published by the EU in September 2024, funding will also be secured for the remaining section.

The development of Thessaloniki’s Western Suburban Railway network and the rail connection to the 6th pier of Thessaloniki port is being expedited. Currently, it is in the planning maturity phase to enable the submission of bids within 2025 for contractor selection. At the same time, as Mr. Palios emphasized, the existing railway network is being upgraded with contracted projects totaling €438.5 million, most of which are at an advanced stage of construction.

The CEO of ERGOSE concluded by emphasizing that all these railway projects are of vital importance and are transforming the landscape of passenger and freight transport. He added that contractors will be selected for projects totaling €1 billion within 2025.

Rail is by far the most environmentally friendly mode of transport, and Europe, recognizing the importance of sustainable rail infrastructure in promoting green transport, has mobilized significant funds in recent years to complete cross-border rail projects.

Based on this green European policy, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport has set as its main goal to strengthen the role of rail, and our aim at ERGOSE is to build a modern, safe, and environmentally friendly rail network, so that Greek railways can take a leading role in transport. To achieve everything we have accomplished so far, we fully leverage the valuable experience and vast capabilities of our people.

For more details and the complete article in Greek, click here