“The modernization of signaling and remote control as well as the installation of the ETCS system (European Train Control System) is progressing methodically and cooperatively, despite perennial problems and major difficulties. on the railway line SKA – Promachonas, the main railway axis of our country” emphasizes in a statement the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Ch. Staikouras.

And he adds: “yesterday, after carrying out the necessary tests, the administrative acceptance for use by ERGOSE in OSE of the signaling of the section of the double line from Larissa to Plati, 130 kilometers long, took place. With the completion of this part, full signaling now works in the sections of Ag. Anargyroi – Oinoi, and remote control from Tithorea to Thessaloniki, as well as from Thessaloniki to Promachona.

Alongside, the Traffic Control Center (TCC) of Larissa was handed over, which controls the traffic of trains on a length of 200 kilometers of double railway track, in the section from Domokos to Platis. KEK Larisa is a state-of-the-art remote control center, which has all the necessary means for traffic control and management.

It is estimated that until the end of September, traffic will also be given to the last signaling section, i.e. the one from Oinoi to Tithorea, which will be controlled by the Traffic Control Center of the SKA – Tithorea section. With the delivery of the upper signaling section and its inclusion in the SKA Remote Control Center, the axis from the Athens exit to Thessaloniki will be fully remote controlled. Therefore, there will be an upgrade of functions and capabilities for better traffic management, control and security. In this way, the implementation of the contract AS 717, i.e. the contract for the installation of signaling and remote control, is completed.

At the same time, there is significant work progress for the implementation of the AS 10005/07 contract, i.e. the installation of the automatic train protection system ETCS.

Particularly, at the end of June, the tests of the ETCS on the SKA – Oinoi section were completed, while at the end of July, the necessary certifications were submitted to be submitted to the Railway Regulatory Authority (RAS), in order to put this department into operation.

Also, in July, RAS issued the decision to put ETCS into operation in the Domokos – Larissa section.

The ETCS tests on the Larissa – Platy section are also being completed this weekas well as the connection to Domokos, so that these can also be certified and put into operation.

It is estimated that by the end of November, i.e. a little earlier than the initial estimates, the ETCS train monitoring and control system will be operating along the entire length from SKA to Thessaloniki”.

Finally, the minister points out that “in cooperation with the administrations of OSE and ERGOSE, with a plan and political will, we are dealing with perennial weaknesses and outstanding issues, strengthening the safety of the passenger public and creating the conditions for better, higher quality and modern railway infrastructure and services”.