The modernization projects of the Thessaloniki – Idomeni railway line, one of the most important cross-border connections to the Balkan countries and the rest of Europe, are progressing unabated.

With the completion of this important project by ERGOSE, which is estimated at the beginning of 2026, the existing electrified railway line that leads to North Macedonia and from there to Central Europe will be upgraded, once again opening the way for international passenger routes.

At the same time, however, the modernization of the Thessaloniki – Idomeni axis will improve freight transport abroad, contributing to the strengthening of container traffic by rail to the Western Balkans.

Undoubtedly, this is a line of great importance for the country, since as a cross-border part of the main TEN-T network (Trans-European Transport Network that connects the regions within the EU and ensures multimodal passenger and commercial movements) it can significantly help transport share of transport from road to rail axes.

The total length of the axis of the Thessaloniki (TX1) – Idomeni line, in which a new signalling, remote control and ETCS L1 system will be installed, is 71 kilometers. In the Polykastro – Idomeni section, the project extends along the new variant of the line. The implementation of the upgrading projects of this line is carried out with the co-financing from European Operational Programs (ESPA and CEF).

The object of this important project is the installation of a signaling system and ECTS Level1 on the Thessaloniki – Idomeni line, through the new variant on the 20 km long section Polykastro – Idomeni, which avoids traffic through the old alignment and maneuvers along the course of Axios river, while the replacement of 37 track changes for the needs of the signaling system has also been foreseen. In addition, a 2.2 km long electrified bypass line will be built at the new Mikros Dasos stop.

At the same time, the last restoration works of the existing technical cut&cover (T6) are progressing. With the completion of these works, the Polykastro – Idomeni line will be put into use with an installed electrification system along its entire length.

The managing director of ERGOSE, Mr. Christos Paleos in his statement to APE-MPE on the progress of the project, he emphasized “the modernization of the Thessaloniki-Idomeni railway line is an important project for the safety and operation of the railway, which will stimulate freight transport abroad, but will also improve the passenger rail service of this region, with obvious benefits for the country’s economy. With the completion of this axis that leads to the border with the Western Balkans, it will be possible to restart international passenger routes to countries in Central and Western Europe.”