Speaking as a guest on the “Connections” program on ERTnews, Deputy Transport Minister Konstantinos Kyranakis discussed the revision of the contract between the Greek State and Hellenic Train. Mr. Kyranakis emphasized that Greece expects to receive 23 new trains, of which 11 are intended to strengthen suburban lines. “23 brand new train sets are coming to the Greek network within the next 18 months, meaning by March 2027 we will have the first trains from this order operating on the Greek railway. This is a very significant development, as it represents the largest investment in land transport in the country’s history,” he stated.
Mr. Kyranakis stressed that this is the first major train renewal since the pre-Olympic period before 2004: “We haven’t acquired new trains as Greece since the pre-Olympic period before 2004, 20 years ago.” As he explained, the previous used trains ordered by the former government are no longer operational. “Of those that came then, none are working.” An additional fund of 20 million euros has been allocated for the renovation of the old fleet.
He also noted that by the end of 2026, the train will reach outside Patras.
Kyranakis: New infrastructure and faster journeys
Indeed, the Deputy Transport Minister emphasized that with the new trains there won’t be so many breakdowns, while the Athens-Thessaloniki route will take less than 3.5 hours. “By summer 2026, the entire Athens-Thessaloniki line will operate with 100% signaling, remote control and automatic braking systems, while drivers will be trained with simulators to operate the system,” he said. Additionally, older sections of the line will be renovated and new arteries will be delivered in Larissa, Volos and Kalambaka, as well as the connection to the port of Volos.
“Brand new trains mean much fewer breakdowns… You’ll be able to run services with reliability, more services on the Athens-Thessaloniki axis and at higher speed… They offer greater comfort, have spaces for bicycles, for people with disabilities and new safety equipment,” he added.
Station renovation and suburban network upgrade
Additionally, within 2027 he announced that new stations will be created in the suburban network, while from March 2026 new train sets are coming to the electric railway.
Among the government projects is the renovation of Larissa Station, which, as Mr. Kyranakis mentioned, will regain the appearance it had in 1905. “We’re restoring it to the form it had in 1905… We want to bring the railway back to times when people were truly identified with its operation,” he noted.
The new trains will also strengthen the suburban networks of Athens and Thessaloniki, reducing waiting times and improving connections with urban transport.
Changes to traffic code – Reducing road accidents
Regarding changes to the traffic code, Konstantinos Kyranakis stated that fatal road accidents have decreased. “Our main goal was to drastically reduce fatal road accidents… Last year we had 665 deaths on Greek roads, this year until Monday that passed they decreased to 512… This is a very drastic reduction, perhaps one of the largest in all of Europe,” K. Kyranakis declared.
Finally, he also referred to farmers’ blockades, emphasizing that the government should not be blackmailed and that more than 20 farmers’ demands have been satisfied so far. “The government should not be blackmailed… OPEKEPE will go to AADE… Money from Europe must go to those who are entitled to it and not to fraudsters… The authorities will do their job so people can move unhindered,” he concluded.
