An important set of interventions is being accelerated in the near future in the infrastructure sector, as the leadership of the relevant ministry has a strong political will to carry out a series of large and smaller modern projects throughout the territory, in order to substantially improve the daily life of citizens. At the same time, the design of a series of new “green” projects, the strengthening and maintenance of existing infrastructure is being promoted.

“Collectively and coherently, we made important interventions, which we must “run” with the same and greater speed. There are many big challenges ahead of us.” This is pointed out, among others, by the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Christos Staikouras.

As he assures: “We will continue the hard work, to improve the daily life of the citizens and to deliver modern and durable projects to the society, on time and with respect to the backlog of the taxpayer”.

At the core of the strategic targeting of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport are: the effective promotion of ongoing projects, the realistic planning of a new set of projects, the strengthening of the safety of “green” infrastructure and transport, the improvement of the quality of projects and services, the rational use of water resources and ultimately, the improvement of the citizen’s daily life.

At 56% the northern part of E65

In May 2024, it was handed over to traffic, single, from Lamia to Kalambaka, with a total length of 135 km. The remaining section of the highway, from Kalambaka to Egnatia Odos, 46 km long, will be handed over around the completion of the Fund of Recovery and Resilience, from where it is financed. 56% of the northern part of the total project has already been executed.

Also, the implementation of anti-flood shielding projects in the areas of the E65 highway in the sections Lamia – Xyniada, Xyniada – Anavra and Anavra – Trikala is planned. These will be studied at no cost to the State and will be built by the Concessionaire, while the total cost amounts to 70 million euros.

The Road Connection Aktio – Amvrakia was delivered

In January 2024, the highway, with a total length of 49 km, was handed over to traffic. The road axis Aktio – Lefkada will also be completed in 2024.

The Patra – Pyrgos highway is at 52%

As of July 2023, the construction progress of the project was less than 20%. Today, the implementation rate exceeds 52%. It is estimated that, by the end of the year, the completion rate will exceed 75%. The long-suffering project, as stipulated in the contract, will be completed in the summer of 2025.

In November, the Thessaloniki Metro

The main line will be delivered in November 2024. At the same time, the project of the extension to Kalamaria is being completed, which is expected to be delivered in the 2nd half of 2025. In fact, last year, the Contract for the operation and maintenance of the project was signed, roads that remained closed for many years were freed, a supplementary contract was signed for the implementation of accessibility / transfer projects at the “New Switzerland” station, the Thessaloniki Metro Development Study was completed, which constitutes the General Transport Study of the Thessaloniki urban complex.

The works for the Northern Road Axis of Crete have started – At 35% the New International Airport of Heraklion Crete

The sections Neapoli – Agios Nikolaos and Hersonissos – Neapoli have been contracted. The first construction sites have already been established in the section from the Heraklion Peninsula to Agios Nikolaos. At the same time, the concession contract for the Chania – Heraklion section is progressing. In addition, the implementation progress at the New International Airport of Heraklion, Crete, in Kasteli has exceeded 35%.

Line 4 of the Athens Metro is moving forward

The “Athina” subway started from Katehaki to Evangelismos, and is expected to complete the approximately 5 km by the end of 2025.

Metropontikas “Niki” is opening 7.1 km from Veikou also towards Evangelismos, and it is expected to have implemented the works by the end of the 1st semester of 2026.

In May 2027 the Regional Road Axis of Thessaloniki (Flyover)

The work on the emblematic project of Thessaloniki is progressing, based on the schedules. The delivery of the project is set for May 2027. In fact, in a meeting held recently in Thessaloniki, under the leadership of the Ministry, the acceleration of the implementation of the project was confirmed.

The studies for the Bralos – Amfissa road axis are at 90%

The construction of the 24 km long project continues according to the schedule. The project is at the stage of completing the preparation of the studies, having completed 90% of the geotechnical work program. Regarding the expropriations, the Court has held, on April 9, 2024, the relevant Court Decision has been issued and the corresponding recognition of expenditure, and the signing of the Decisions to freeze the amount is expected. The start of work took place on November 23, 2023. The site facilities are 90% complete. The project completion date is August 15, 2027.

In September, the contract for the Ioannina – Kakavia Road Axis

The project, 69.5 km long, was re-auctioned. The decision to approve the supporting documents of the temporary contractor has been issued, the decision to award and award the contract in question has proceeded, the pre-contractual audit of the Court of Auditors has been completed, the Hellenic Parliament has been informed – recently. The completion and delivery time of the project is 54 months from the signing of the Contract, which is estimated to take place in September.

The works have started on the SW Peloponnese Road Axis / Section Kalamata – Rizomylos – Pylos – Methoni

The preparation of studies is progressing, according to the PPP contract. Two construction sites have been set up and preliminary work is being carried out.

Upgrading of Western Attica Suburban Railway / Section Ano Liosia – Megara

The implementation of the project is based on the timetables set by the Recovery and Resilience Fund, since its financing is exclusively from it. As far as financing is concerned, the approved budget of the ministry, for its national part, amounts to 334 million euros for 2024, almost equal to that of 2023. There will be, due to the good execution of the state budget, an increase, with a permanent character at 550 million euros in 2024 and more in the following years.

Smaller projects throughout the territory

In the field of justice:

The contracts were signed for the restoration and maintenance of the building of the Council of State in the Arsakeio Mansion, for the energy upgrade of the building of the Central Service of the Audit Court, for the study and construction of the new Court Building in Kos.

The tenders for the construction of the Courts of Heraklion, Lamia and Volos, the new wing of the Courts of Karditsa, the reconstruction of the Courts of Rethymnon and Trikala are proceeding.

The new Pylos Magistrate’s Court was founded.

The restoration and renovation works of the Tripoli Courthouse have begun, while the work of repairing damages to the Kavala Courthouse is ongoing.

In the field of education:

  • The Kestekide Greek School in Brussels has been reconstructed.
  • Two modern facilities were delivered in Lykovrysi, the new Special School for People with Disabilities in Peristeri, the 2nd Primary School of Nea Makris, the 3rd Gymnasium of Nea Filadelfia.
  • The new two-seater Kindergarten of Paralio Astros and the 12-seater Primary School of Kato Nevrokopi were founded.

In the field of security:

He was named temporary contractor for the construction of five Police Stations in Patras, Karditsa, Veria, Lefkada and Alexandroupoli.

Roads:

  • The road axis Kalloni – Sigri in Lesvos was completed.
  • The contract for the construction of the road project of the Gialova bypass was signed.
  • The Bridge of Leaves in Evia was reconstructed.
  • The new Evinos road bridge in Etoloakarnania was delivered.
  • The new Keritis Bridge in Crete is under construction.
  • The pedestrian bridge in Palataki Haidari was handed over.
  • The reconstruction of the heliport in Samothraki is on track.
  • The improvement of the Port of Fishing Boats in Neo Marmara, Halkidiki was promoted.
  • The passenger and commercial port in Sigri Lesvos was completed.
  • Expansion and improvement projects are being carried out at the airports of Naxos, Syros and Chios.
  • Rainwater drainage projects in the Southern Section of Kalamaria are being implemented.

Also, the Safe and Protected Truck Parking Stations were inaugurated along the country’s Motorways, in Aerino and Atalanti, a project which was included in the co-financed program “Connecting Europe – CEF”.

Implementation of irrigation, soil improvement and anti-flood projects

In July, 3 contracts were signed, with a budget of approximately 320 million euros, concerning:

The implementation of water supply projects in the regional units of Preveza – Arta – Etoloakarnania – Lefkada. The construction of a dam in the Tsiknia area of ​​the Lesvos Regional Unit. The implementation of land improvement projects in the lakeside areas of Amvrakia – Amfilochia and Valto of the Regional Unit of Etoloakarnania.

The last project is one of the four important projects, together with the ones in Oreokastro, Loutraki and Ierapetra, that were included for financing in the “Environment and Climate Change 2021 – 2027” Program.

The financing loan agreements were signed between the Greek State and the European Investment Bank and the Development Bank of the Council of Europe, for the construction of the dam on the Platis Rethymnon River and the extension of the Messara Irrigation Network in the Region of Crete.

The modern irrigation network was delivered in Heraklia, Fthiotida, which covers the irrigation of 3,510 acres of the area.

In the same direction, a series of project contracts have been signed, such as: Irrigation network in Germa of Kastoria, Reservoir in Agiokambo of Larisa, Irrigation network in the Regional Unit of Trikala, Dam and water transport pipeline reservoir in N. Triglia of Halkidiki, Water and energy saving systems in irrigation network TOEB Nigritas.

Studies are being prepared of the complementary works of the Pinios dam in Ilia, and of the irrigation works of the Asopos dam in Corinthia.

Also, flood protection and rainwater projects have been tendered in Nea Makri Attica.

Reforms for infrastructure resilience:

The National Bridge Inspection and Assessment Manual and the Bridge Inspection and Maintenance Regulations were developed.

Finally, a programmatic Agreement was signed for the development of the Information System of the National Register of Bridges.

The main aim is to record all the bridges on a nationwide scale and to monitor their inspection, assessment and maintenance procedures, with the ultimate goal of strengthening bridge safety.