“New infrastructure, new trains and new stations constitute the three basic pillars for the real transformation of the Greek railway,” emphasized Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Konstantinos Kyranakis, underlining that the government’s major challenge is restoring the sense of safety in railway transportation. As Mr. Kyranakis stated during a meeting with journalists on Wednesday evening, January 14, “infrastructure upgrades, additional safety measures, digital control, stricter contracts and changes in human resources compose an effort to operate the railway with modern European standards, with clear responsibilities and real control. The goal is not simply avoiding new failures, but building an absolutely safe railway system, worthy of the country, and gradually restoring passenger confidence through consistency and measurable results.”
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According to him, the challenge is the restoration and complete upgrade of the Athens-Thessaloniki axis and generally the Piraeus-Eidomeni railway axis, and subsequently the journey on the central railway axis Athens-Thessaloniki to be completed in less than 3.5 hours.
Kyranakis: Infrastructure works on Athens-Thessaloniki route proceed normally
Infrastructure works on the Athens-Thessaloniki route are proceeding normally, with the 15-month timeline being maintained without deviations and without any project extension. By summer 2026, this network will have 100% signaling, 100% remote control and 100% automatic braking system that were not included in contract 717, creating for the first time a unified and modern operational level on the country’s central railway axis.
To reduce travel times on the Greek railway, everything has to do with infrastructure works, noted Mr. Kyranakis, mentioning that by 2027 the underground construction of level crossings will proceed, while some may become grade-separated depending on location.
“Delivery of 23 new trains by 2027”
As the deputy minister revealed, in the coming days the first train will arrive in our country for the first tests on the Greek railway network, within the framework of the government’s agreement with **Hellenic Train**. The date agreed with the Italians for the first test run is reportedly January 26.
The order for new trains (not used ones) within the framework of the agreement provided by the new contract has already been placed and the first trains will begin operating on the Greek railway within 18 months. The completion of the entire fleet delivery (23 trains) is expected by the end of 2027. The total amount (308 million euros) is paid by the Italian group Ferrovie dello Stato. This is the largest investment in land transport ever made in the country.
The revised contract, signed on December 22, 2025, with a stricter framework favoring the Greek public, which provides for total investments of 420 million euros, is being discussed and voted on today by the Plenary in Parliament. Moreover, for the first time, as the deputy minister said, with a clause for the possibility of contract termination. Additionally, penalties for delays and cancellations are tightened and passenger compensation is doubled.
Of the 23 trains, 11 will be suburban in character for increased frequency while the remaining 12 will be intercity and will be deployed on the Athens-Thessaloniki route. “The challenge is deploying eight pairs of services from next September on a daily basis while for 2027 the goal is for these pairs to increase to twelve. With the new trains and completion of works, Athens-Thessaloniki will be completed in under 3.5 hours,” said Mr. Kyranakis.
The deputy minister also revealed Levante Ferries’ interest in operating passenger services on Athens-Thessaloniki by leasing rolling stock from Railways of Greece S.A. “There is no monopoly on the Greek railway and any Greek or foreign railway company that wishes can obtain a license from RAS. The Greek railway is open for investments from providers for passenger and freight transport,” he said, emphasizing “we want competition and companies that want to be active.”
Also, as the deputy minister said, upgrade interventions are being planned for the country’s two main railway hubs. In Athens, a competition will be announced soon for the renovation of the Central Railway Station, aiming to highlight its historical character and create a new square in the surrounding area. Meanwhile, works are underway on platforms and underground connection to the metro, which are estimated to be completed by 2027. A similar competition is expected for Thessaloniki’s railway station, while the ministry has already secured funds from the European Union’s Social Climate Fund for renovating 35 stations across the country.
Interventions to enhance safety
Last July, the installation and deployment of ETCS on board, the automatic braking system, was completed on all trains operating on the Athens-Thessaloniki network, adding a safety measure in cases of human error. Also, in July 2025, the precise geolocation system was put into pilot operation, based on triangulation of GNSS satellite signals with ground stations, offering location accuracy up to 5 centimeters, unlike conventional GPS which can deviate up to 15 meters. This system ensures that no train moves “blindly,” even in single-track sections or without advanced European ERTMS systems, which according to regulations are not mandatory before 2050. From February through gov.gr, every citizen will be able to see train progress in real time through the precise geolocation system with 5-centimeter deviation. The procurement of necessary equipment was fully funded through donations from the Union of Greek Shipowners, without financial burden on the State.
Regarding staff training, Mr. Kyranakis said an end was put to the “outdated training model.” Drivers are now trained with simulators for the ETCS system, with practical examinations and re-evaluation of all personnel. In cooperation with Deutsche Bahn, OSE’s training center in Rendi is being renovated to operate within 2026 with modern European standards.
Finally, the braingain.ose.gr initiative was completed, with 320 applications submitted by Greeks abroad with railway experience in organizations and companies from 30 countries. Preliminary interviews have been completed and the first executive positions are expected to be officially announced in early 2026.
