Thessaloniki Metro: The Key Milestones to the Kalamaria Extension

The main line of the Thessaloniki Metro marks two months of operation today. This first two-month period can certainly not be described as easy, as the launch of a new metro system with different technology from that of Athens appears to have brought several malfunctions and initial teething problems to the surface.

While the spotlight is on the daily operation of the main line, the expansion of the Metro to Kalamaria is at an advanced stage by Elliniko Metro. This extension will create the city’s first small network.

With the operation of the extension, five new stations will be opened: Nomarchia, Kalamaria, Aretsou, Nea Krini, and Mikra. Essentially, 25th Martiou Station will become the first key interchange station, as it will serve as the branching point for the two lines. The main line will continue towards Voulgari and Nea Elvetia, while the second line will extend towards Kalamaria and up to Mikra.

The routes will have shared stations from Neos Sidirodromikos Stathmos (New Railway Station) to 25th Martiou. Therefore, passengers traveling to one of the stations beyond this point should consult the real-time information system to choose the appropriate train.

How the Works Are Progressing

As Deputy Minister of Infrastructure Nikos Tachiaos mentioned during a television appearance on TV100, a suspension of service on the main line will be required before the extension to Kalamaria begins operation.

Mr. Tachiaos specified that this will take place shortly before the extension is delivered. According to reports, the service disruptions will last only a few days, as the systems of the main line will need to be integrated with those of the Kalamaria extension.

For each service disruption, passengers will be notified a few days in advance. During these suspensions, systems, stations, and trains will be tested to ensure the seamless integration of the extension into full operation.

At this stage, the extension works are moving toward completion, requiring a final push to meet the necessary milestones and ensure timely delivery.

The two tunnels have been completed, along with the track infrastructure. Currently, work is progressing on the five stations, with the next steps focusing on architectural finishes such as floor and wall tiles, lighting, signage, station equipment, coatings, and painting. Additionally, the installation of various electromechanical (E/M) systems is underway.

The Thessaloniki Metro extension to Kalamaria is being carried out by AKTOR, while several smaller contracts are responsible for the installation and integration of the electromechanical (E/M) systems.

Around summer, small-scale system and train tests will begin, focusing on stations and tunnels. In September, trial runs are expected to start initially on the five new stations of the extension, followed by testing across all 18 stations—including the 13 stations of the main line.

During the service suspensions on the main line, trains will be able to run across all stations to undergo real-condition testing.

Regarding the procurement of 15 additional trains from Hitachi by Elliniko Metro, sources indicate that deliveries are expected to begin at the end of summer and be completed by the end of the year, or at the latest, by early 2026.

The goal is to reduce train intervals to 3 minutes, and later to 2 minutes during peak hours. By 2026, it is estimated that the target of 90-second intervals between trains will be achieved, significantly enhancing the capacity and efficiency of the city’s metro system.

The First Two Months of the Main Line

As the first two months come to a close, the initial statistical data has been compiled and shared by the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Christos Staikouras, during a radio interview.

According to the minister, during this period, approximately 1.5 million passengers have traveled on the metro. More than 300,000 tickets have been issued, along with over 60,000 personalized travel cards.

Minister Christos Staikouras also stated that the operation of the Thessaloniki Metro has contributed to a roughly 10% reduction in traffic congestion across the city.

At the same time, efforts are underway to enable the use of bank cards and mobile phones for ticket purchases, expected to launch in early March. Currently, ticketing system malfunctions persist, and it is believed that card payments will provide greater convenience for passengers.

At present, the necessary checks are being conducted to ensure the smooth implementation of this feature. In Athens, the contactless card and mobile payment system was officially introduced just a few days ago.

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