The project for the “Railway Connection of the 6th Pier of Thessaloniki Port and the Construction of the Western Suburban Railway of Thessaloniki” enters the final stage of the tender process, as Greek Railways published the second phase of the competition. The total budget of the project amounts to €53.4 million plus VAT, while the process now moves to the submission of binding financial offers.
Two main sections in the Western Suburban Railway and 6th Port Pier project
The project is divided into two main sections. The first concerns the development of the Western Suburban Railway network of Thessaloniki, with the construction and functional upgrade of seven railway stations/stops. For passengers, the Western Suburban Railway means new, accessible stations and stops, with platforms, designed access for pedestrians and people with disabilities, as well as parking spaces at stations, making access to the network easier for those traveling to and from western Thessaloniki.
The second section concerns the railway connection of the 6th Pier of the Thessaloniki Port Organization with the existing railway network, through a new railway line. This intervention strengthens the connection of the port with the national and international railway network, upgrading Thessaloniki’s role in freight transport and in corridors connecting with the Balkans and Southeast Europe.
The project also includes the required technical interventions in the existing electrified railway line, such as reconstruction of lines where required, hydraulic works, drainage works and culverts, as well as the necessary electromechanical installations and railway systems for the operation of the new stations and connection. From the Competitive Dialogue procedure, the development of a “Y”-shaped network has been selected, with two eastern branches, Sindos and Anchialos–Diavata, and a unified branch towards Thessaloniki Railway Station, serving a total of seven stops: Sindos, Anchialos, Diavata, Kordelio, Eptanisou, Menemeni and New Thessaloniki Railway Station.
This new arrangement allows the connection of the suburban network with Thessaloniki Metro, creating an integrated and connected urban transport system for Thessaloniki. At the same time, the connection of the 6th Pier strengthens the strategic role of Thessaloniki port and improves the country’s international freight connections. After signing the contract, the construction of the Western Suburban Railway of Thessaloniki is expected to be completed within 18 months, while the railway connection of the 6th Pier of the port has an implementation timeframe of 36 months.
Partial deliveries at suburban railway stations
Of particular importance is that the project provides for partial deliveries at suburban railway stations, allowing the gradual operation of network sections and gradual delivery to citizens as construction progresses.
Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance, Nikos Papathanasis, stated: “Within the framework of the Government’s commitment to strengthen the country’s safe railway network and broader actions aimed at improving citizens’ daily life, another project, related to a decades-old demand, the railway connection of Thessaloniki port and the construction of the Western Suburban Railway of Thessaloniki, enters the final implementation stage. And in this specific case, the role of European funds that we secured is significant. And in this specific case, it is proven in practice that European funds, in their entirety, finance projects and reforms for the benefit of society and the economy. This is what we committed to, this is what we put into practice.”
Konstantinos Kyranakis: “Thessaloniki gradually acquires a unified rail network”
Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Konstantinos Kyranakis, emphasized: “Thessaloniki gradually acquires a unified rail network. With the delivery of Kalamaria, the Metro will connect the eastern side of the city with the Central Railway Station. From there, with the Western Suburban Railway, the connection will continue towards western Thessaloniki, creating a new mobility axis that connects more areas of the city in a fast, reliable and modern way. Our goal is for movements to function as a unified system: citizens should be able to move more easily from one side of the city to the other, combining different rail means. At the same time, the railway connection of the 6th Pier of the port strengthens Thessaloniki’s strategic role as a gateway to Southeast Europe and connects with the broader Greece – Bulgaria – Romania corridor. It is a project for the city’s daily life, but also for Thessaloniki’s position on the new transport map of the region.”
General Secretary for Management of ERDF Sectoral Programs, Cohesion Fund and ESF, Vassilios Siadimas, stated: “Through the “Transport 2021-2027″ Program of NSRF, interventions like this will be funded, improving connectivity and upgrading the country’s railway infrastructure. The Western Suburban Railway of Thessaloniki and the railway connection of the 6th Pier are projects that the Program supports: interventions that improve the daily movement of thousands of citizens, connect different means of transport and strengthen port operations. The utilization of European funds is not reflected in amounts, but in projects that reach citizens. By moving to the next stage of the competition, we show that planning is transformed into implementation, with tangible benefits for Thessaloniki and the economy of the broader region.”
General Secretary of Transport, Stelios Sakaretsios, noted: “The Western Suburban Railway and the railway connection of the 6th Pier constitute critical interventions for Thessaloniki’s transition to a more modern and integrated transport model. They create conditions for better connection of port, railway and rail means, strengthening both daily mobility and the city’s strategic role as a transport and logistics hub in the broader region.”
It is noted that the project is scheduled to be included by the Ministry of National Economy and Finance in the “Transport 2021-2027” Program of NSRF, strengthening interventions that improve connectivity, sustainable transport and the country’s strategic infrastructure.
