Western Thessaloniki and the port are gaining new rail connections, through the Thessaloniki Western Suburban Railway project and the connection of the 6th Pier of the Thessaloniki Port Authority with the existing railway network.
The Hellenic Railways (OSE) is proceeding with the tender process of the project, with the publication of the Phase B and the opening of the final stage for the submission of binding offers by the participating economic operators. The project has a total budget of €53.4 million plus VAT.
The project has a total budget of €53.4 million plus VAT.
With seven stops – Sindos, Anchialos, Diavata, Kordelio, Eptanissos, Menemeni and New Thessaloniki Railway Station – the Western Suburban Railway creates a new railway axis for areas of the city currently not adequately served by fixed railways.
“For passengers, the project means new and accessible stations and stops, modern platforms, landscaped access for pedestrians and people with disabilities, as well as parking spaces at the stations. The aim is to make access to the railway network easier for residents, workers and visitors of western Thessaloniki,” stressed a statement by OSE.
At the same time, the connection of the 6th Pier of the PPA with the existing railway network via a new double railway line “enhances the port’s ability to serve freight flows by rail, reducing the need to transport cargo through the urban fabric and strengthening Thessaloniki’s position on the map of combined transport.”
The project includes the required technical interventions in the existing railway infrastructure, such as track reconstruction 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 the link.
The Competitive Dialogue process has led to the development of a “Y” network, with two eastern branches, Sindos and Anchialos-Diavata, and a single branch to the New Thessaloniki Railway Station.
After the signing of the contract, the construction of the Thessaloniki Western Suburban Railway is expected to be completed within 18 months, while the railway connection of the 6th Pier of the PPA has a 36-month implementation timeframe.
Of particular importance, the same announcement notes, is that partial deliveries to the stations of the suburban railway are foreseen, so that the project will start to pay off gradually and citizens will see the benefits already during the construction process.
Christos Palios, Managing Director of Sidrodromoi Ellados SA, said “This project is part of Sidrodromoi Ellados’ broader strategy to restore the railway to its central role: in daily travel, in connecting cities and in supporting the economy. For Thessaloniki, this is an intervention of particular importance, as it exploits existing infrastructure, creates new transport opportunities for areas that for years have not had adequate rail services and brings the railway closer to the daily life of citizens. Particularly important is that partial deliveries to the suburban stations are planned, so that the project can start to pay off gradually and citizens can see the benefits already during the construction process.
The goal is clear: a more connected, more functional and more accessible Thessaloniki, with rail being a key tool for sustainable mobility and development.”
