The projects implemented through public-private partnerships reflect the potential and added value of this model of cooperation, said the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Christos Dimas, at the 16th “Capital Link Sustainability” Conference, themed: “Public & Private Sector with a Vision for Sustainability.”
Mr. Dimas announced that the provisional contractors for two additional PPP projects—the Thessaloniki–Edessa and Drama–Amphipolis highway corridors—are expected to be announced shortly.
In the same context, he referred to some of the most important projects being implemented through PPPs:
The Chersonissos–Neapoli section of the Northern Road Axis of Crete (BOAK), where work is in full swing—as it is on the other two sections.
The Elevated Expressway in Thessaloniki (Flyover), where nearly 50% of the physical work has been completed.
The Kalamata–Rizomylos–Pylos–Methoni highway, which will provide convenient and safe access to the southwestern coast of the Peloponnese, a region experiencing rapid tourism growth.
The 17 new schools being built in Central Macedonia through public-private partnerships (PPPs). Additionally, in the area of school infrastructure, the second phase of the “Marietta Giannakou” program was signed a few days ago, involving renovation work at 238 schools located in 132 municipalities across the country.
The Minister of Infrastructure and Transport added that the ministry’s infrastructure plan emphasizes interventions that strengthen resilience and ensure sustainability.
“The government firmly believes that the country’s development depends on modern, functional, and resilient infrastructure, and in this national effort, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport is at the forefront of implementing a coherent development plan with a long-term impact,” emphasized Mr. Dimas.
The progress of the country’s major projects
Continuing his remarks, Mr. Dimas presented the progress of the remaining major projects currently under construction:
Repair of "Daniel" storm damage: Projects on the road and rail networks totaling 1.3 billion euros, of which 500 million euros are covered by the Recovery and Resilience Fund and the remainder by national funds.
BOAK: Sections of the three contracts from Chania to Agios Nikolaos are currently under construction. At the same time, road safety improvements are underway on the existing route, spanning 131 km from Kissamos, Chania, to Linoperamata, Heraklion.
New airport in Kastelli: Construction progress is nearing 70%, while procedures for the airport’s operational systems are moving forward.
E65: The final northern section, approximately 46 km long, from Kalambaka to Grevena, remains to be completed. Construction progress stands at 95%, and the entire section will be opened to traffic this summer, directly connecting the PATHE with the Egnatia Highway.
Thessaloniki Metro: The extension to Kalamaria is expected to be completed this summer, effectively adding 4.8 km of track and 5 new stations.
Line 4 of the Athens Metro: The “Athena” tunnel boring machine, starting from Katechaki, has reached the “Evangelismos” shaft, while the second twin tunnel boring machine, "Niki," is tunneling in the opposite direction, from Veikou Park toward "Evangelismos."
Bus fleet renewal: The majority of the fleet in Athens and Thessaloniki has already been replaced with modern vehicles featuring anti-pollution technology, ensuring accessibility for all passengers.
Major road projects: The Bralos–Amfissa, Chalkida Bypass, and Ioannina–Kakavia road sections are in full swing.
“Across this entire spectrum of interventions, as well as in smaller-scale projects such as building construction, effective collaboration between the public and private sectors is the catalyst for the successful implementation of the plan,” Mr. Dimas emphasized, adding that the ministry is utilizing all available European and national resources to ensure the sustainability of the infrastructure.
Concluding his remarks, the minister stressed: “Without the valuable contribution of the private sector, any plan would be unworkable. Every infrastructure project is not merely a technical construction or a financial investment. It represents direct added value for citizens’ daily lives, for safety, accessibility, quality of life, and ultimately the prospects of future generations.”