By decision of Deputy Minister for National Economy and Finance Nikos Papathanasis, the projects “Construction of the Western Thessaloniki Suburban Railway” and “Rail Link to Pier 6 of the Port of Thessaloniki” have been included in the sectoral NSRF programme “Transport 2021-2027”.
Specifically:
- The project “Construction of the Western Thessaloniki Suburban Railway”, with total public expenditure of €24,549,345.82 and co-financed public expenditure of €19,619,792.42, involves developing a modern railway network, 19.5 km long, using the existing line to connect western Thessaloniki with the New Thessaloniki Passenger Station and, in turn, with other public transport. The project includes all the works required to build and operate seven railway stations and stops (platforms, shelters, footbridges, electromechanical installations, parking areas, hydraulic works and access works, etc.).
- The project “Rail Link to Pier 6 of the Port of Thessaloniki”, with total public expenditure of €60,986,993.34 and co-financed public expenditure of €45,725,991.40, aims to strengthen multimodal transport links through the design and construction of works to bring a new double-track railway branch into operation, connecting Pier 6 of the Port of Thessaloniki with the national railway network over a total distance of approximately 2,225 m.
According to the announcement, the projects, which are co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund, aim primarily to develop infrastructure and transport, strengthen social cohesion by making use of run-down areas within the urban fabric through the provision of fixed-rail services to parts of western Thessaloniki, connect the railway network with freight hubs, enhance the country’s role as an international freight hub and reduce environmental impact, while also cutting road accidents.
Both projects have already been put out to tender under a single contract through the Competitive Dialogue procedure. “HELLENIC RAILWAYS S.A.” has been designated as the beneficiary.