Greece’s infrastructure and transport network is undergoing a 5.2 billion euros upgrade, adopting a modern and sustainable identity, according to Infrastructure Minister Christos Staikouras.
During his speech at the 2024 Thessaloniki International Fair, the minister outlined 18 projects under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan “Greece 2.0”, funded through the Recovery and Resilience Fund.
A portion of the budget, amounting to up to 2 billion, will be allocated to:
– Enhancing transport safety
– Developing sustainable transport infrastructure
– Promoting electric vehicles and “green” transport practices
– Advancing digital transformation
Actions and side plans
Northern Road Axis of Crete (VOAK). Photo source: Infrastructure Ministry
The projects, set to be implemented across Greece, follow Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ announcement at the same fair, emphasizing a unified government plan to upgrade infrastructure nationwide and reduce regional inequality.
“We will continue this national strategy…with thousands of small, medium, and large projects in every municipality, every mountain region, and every island community, ensuring accountability through a dedicated online platform, allowing local communities to actively participate in this significant effort to reduce regional inequalities,” Kyriakos Mitsotakis said recently in Thessaloniki.
The specific projects include:
Road network:
– Construction of the Northern Road Axis of Crete (VOAK), covering three sections: Chania – Heraklion, Hersonissos – Neapolis, and Neapolis – Agios Nikolaos.
– Construction of the northern section “Trikala – Egnatia” of the Central Greece Motorway (E65)
– 1,009 road network intervention points: rehabilitation works totaling €410 million will be completed, with a total budget of €900 million
– Road safety improvement projects on national and provincial roads: This involves the study and short-term interventions at 630 high-risk points across the national and provincial road network in the Peloponnese Region
Aviation:
– Upgrading 13 regional airports to meet European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulations
Photo source: OSE
Railways:
– Restoration work of the railway network will be completed with funding from the Recovery and Resilience Fund
– Smart Bridges: Evaluation of the structural integrity of selected railway and road bridges nationwide, with real-time monitoring using modern systems. The bridges are chosen in collaboration with Hellenic Railways S.A. (OSE) and the 13 Regions
– Organizational reform of the railway sector: A €6.2 million initiative to establish a new, modern public body to manage railway infrastructure
– Digital Transformation of OSE: Modernizing the operations of the organization through digital technologies
– Upgrading the Western Attica suburban railway line
Additional projects:
– Restoring accessibility in Thessaly following the devastating impact of storm “DANIEL”
– Integrated geographical information system for the Unified Digital Map of Expropriations and Claims (e-apallotriosis)
– Integrated information system for managing technical projects and resources at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport: This digital platform will streamline document and information management and enhance collaboration between services
– Electrification initiatives: Green public transport, installation of electric vehicle chargers, and the introduction of green taxis
Additionally, the projects include the design and development of a web-based platform for the Registry of Infrastructures and Purchasing Entities for Electric Mobility, specifically for passenger car charging stations.
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