The Thessaloniki Metro extension to the city’s north-western suburbs is the government’s top transport priority, Deputy Infrastructure and Transport Minister Nikos Tachiaos said on Wednesday 4 November.
In a radio interview, Tachiaos also said the Flyover, the elevated motorway along the city’s Ring Road, is due for handover on 16 May 2027.
He said planning at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport now centres on the north-western districts. Studies for the new lines have also advanced significantly, he added.
Station design is now complete, and the cost-benefit study is also in its final stage.
Read more: Greece Plans Facelift for Dozens of Athens Rail Stations
Thessaloniki Metro extension priorities
Plans for the Thessaloniki Metro extension include two branches. One would run to Stavroupoli and Efkarpia via Lagkada Street, while the other would reach Kordelio via Ampelokipoi, Menemeni and Evosmos.
Above all, Tachiaos placed particular emphasis on the fast-growing suburb of Evosmos. He said its rising population has brought greater transport needs.
However, the order of works will depend on funding from Greece’s next round of EU Partnership Agreement funds, known as ESPA. He said there is no specific timetable yet.
In contrast, a Thessaloniki Metro extension to the city’s airport is not an immediate priority. Tachiaos said passenger demand does not justify placing it ahead of the western districts.
The city’s driverless network opened its first line in November 2024. Then, in August 2026, the Metro reached Kalamaria, adding five stations and 4.78 kilometres of track.
Tachiaos said trains currently run with 99.93 per cent punctuality. He also said the Metro plans to run around the clock on Friday and Saturday nights.
Kalamaria works and Flyover date
In Kalamaria, Tachiaos said authorities have signed a nine-month contract to build Pontou Street. The road will ease access to Mikra station and help reorganise local bus routes.
At the same time, talks on a single integrated ticket are under way, he said.
On the Flyover, the minister said the handover date remains unchanged and works are progressing intensively. In March, crews began demolishing a Ring Road tunnel to make way for the project.
“We haven’t moved from it one inch,” Tachiaos said of the May 2027 date.
For now, however, the Thessaloniki Metro extension still has no start date, as it awaits funding.
Source: PROTO THEMA
