Nine issueswithout the resolution of which “the railway routes cannot start” they put in a letter to the management of the Hellenic Train the train drivers (Panhellenic Union of Traction Personnel), one day before the restart of the first phase of the routes.

The train drivers they emphasize that they had warned in time for the failure of the safety systems and add that appropriate actions are required to resolve serious issues at nine points in the network.

In particular, the Panhellenic Union of Traction Personnel of Greece requests the secure operation of communications and inside the tunnels, the manning of large stations, such as that of Edessa, but also certificates of suitability control of the bridges through which the train passes. In addition, it refers to the need to adequately guard the level crossings, while repeating its request to record the conversations of the train drivers with the representatives of the infrastructure manager and from Hellenic Train, “since after the railway tragedy there was a selective leakage of conversations that disorient public opinion from the real causes of the railway tragedy”, as they say.

The letter to Hellenic Train reads as follows:

“The railway tragedy of 28/02/2023 has shocked the Greek Society. 57 people, 11 of them train workers lost their lives in an unimaginable accident.

Our Association had promptly warned all the parties involved, about the risks posed by the non-functioning of safety systems (Lights – Remote control – ETCS).

Unfortunately our highlights and warnings were, inexplicably, either downplayed or not taken seriously.

From 1/3/2023 the traffic of trains in the Greek Territory has been suspended, while the new Minister of Transport, Mr. Gerapetritis, announced a package of measures for the reopening of the railway on March 22, 2023.

Our Union participated in a meeting with the new political leadership, while there was also a meeting with the new Managing Director of OSE Mr. Terezakis P. on Friday, March 17.

After the meeting of the Board of Directors of our Association, we bring to your attention the problems that must be solved in specific parts of the railway network, in order to restart the railway routes in them as well.

We point out that we believe that without solving them, routes cannot be started at these points.

For the line Thessaloniki – Alexandroupoli (Strymona) operation of communications along the entire route and of all ASIDs (Keeping those that do not work or removing them). Removal of the 6-10 km idlers and restoration of the infrastructure at these points.

Platy – Florina line. Possibility of communication throughout the route, manning of Edessa station (safety latch), as well as granting of bridge suitability certificates (when were they last checked). Inspection of the infrastructure at km point 142.000 to 152.00 where a 40 km delay has been set, due to landslides.

Thessaloniki – Idomeni line. Issuance of certificates of suitability of bridges, full communications along the line.

Axis Athens – Thessaloniki. Written confirmation for passing through tunnels (Tempi, Platamonas) where problems have been identified by the Fire Department during its last inspection and the possibility of communication within them (with a certified communication system). Restoration of communication where there are problems (eg Orphana – SS Larisas – Evangelismos).

Suburban Piraeus – Kiato. Written confirmation for passing through tunnels, where problems have been identified by the Fire Department during its last inspection, lighting and the ability to communicate within them (with a certified communication system).

Alexandroupolis – Xanthi. Staffing with a station master of the Xanthi station, operation-guarding of all PPE, ensuring communication. (with certified communication system)

Larissa – Volos. Operation – storage of all ASAID.

The AEG trains should be taken out of circulation as they present continuous problems along the way, until the full restoration of these problems. Hellenic Train to ensure that the rolling stock to be released in the first phase should be fully operational for everyone’s safety and to avoid delays.

Immediate operation of the GSMR as long as it has been certified.

In addition to these, the OSE must immediately take care of na inform in writing within 10 days for its planning for the development of a plan to de-grass the lines throughout the railway infrastructure. As we have already informed you, we request the recording of the conversations of the train drivers with the representatives of the infrastructure manager AND from Hellenic Train as after the railway tragedy there was a selective leaking conversations that divert public opinion from the real causes of the train tragedy.

Finally, we inform you that Mr. Terezakis, in his meeting with our Association, mentioned that Hellenic Train has received 30 mobile GSMR devices. As stated in the letter, “we believe that, without their resolution, they cannot start services to these points”.