European Union funding is supporting implementation of the second phase of the development of the metro network in Thessaloniki, Greece’s second largest city and capital of the Central Macedonia region. This phase forms part of a wider project aimed at providing the city with a driverless metro system.
- 29 November 2017
The project comprises everything required to complete and put into operation the main line of the Thessaloniki metro. This includes the broaching of a double tunnel 1.9 kilometres long and the ‘cut-and-cover’ construction of a 200-metre-long tunnel.
Nine stations will be completed and civil engineering tasks carried out in a further three. Architectural tasks will be completed and work will also be done on electromechanical installations, area configurations and the railway’s superstructure. The provision of 24 metro trains is an additional element in the project.
Work on the main line and extension
The project covers both the main line, which comprises 9.6 kilometres of double-track railway and 13 stations, and the eastern Kalamaria extension, which is 4.8 kilometres long and has five stations. Future plans include extending the Kalamaria line to connect with Thessaloniki’s Macedonia international airport, the main airport serving the north of Greece and the third largest in the country.
Overall, the budget for the second phase of developing the metro is just under EUR 885 million, with more than EUR 407 million from European Union co-financing. The project is expected to create in excess of 470 temporary employment opportunities during its implementation and around 390 permanent jobs when the metro becomes operational.
Major upgrade for Thessaloniki’s transport infrastructure
Construction of the Thessaloniki metro constitutes a major upgrade to the city’s transport infrastructure which, in turn, will contribute to boosting the competitiveness of local businesses, thus creating jobs and attracting inward investment to the area, with positive knock-on effects for general social and economic development.
It is estimated that the opening of the metro will give an additional 264 864 people access to public transport. Approximately 247 000 passengers are expected to use the network each day when it is fully operational.
By providing a fast, comfortable and reasonably priced alternative to road transport, the metro system will help to alleviate traffic congestion in Thessaloniki. As a result, it will also contribute to cutting levels of both primary and secondary pollutants in the atmosphere, with reductions in gas emissions estimated at 81 200 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. This will enhance the city’s environment and quality of life for local inhabitants and visitors, while the indirect benefits from lower traffic volumes on the roads will also raise safety standards.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “Thessaloniki Metro Main Line (Project 2) - Construction works and Wagons supply – Phase B” is EUR 884 971 758, with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 407 377 531 through the “Transport Infrastructure, Environment and Sustainable Development” Operational Programme for the 2014-2020 programming period.