The government has included the West Thessaloniki suburban railway and a rail link to the port’s 6th Pier in an EU-backed transport program, committing about €85.5 million in public funds.
Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance Nikos Papathanasis signed the decision. It adds both projects to the NSRF sectoral program “Transport 2021–2027”.
The two projects aim to bring rail to the city’s western suburbs and to connect Greece’s second-largest port directly with the national rail network.
Thessaloniki suburban railway details
The Thessaloniki suburban railway carries total public expenditure of €24,549,345.82, of which €19,619,792.42 is co-financed. It covers a modern rail network of 19.5 kilometres.
Specifically, the line will use the existing track and connect western Thessaloniki with the New Thessaloniki Passenger Station. From there, passengers can transfer to other public transport.
The works on the Thessaloniki suburban railway also include seven stations and stops. These cover platforms, shelters, footbridges, electrical and mechanical systems, parking, drainage works and access works.
Rail link for the 6th Pier
The second project, the rail link for the 6th Pier of the Port of Thessaloniki, carries total public expenditure of €60,986,993.34. Of that, €45,725,991.40 is co-financed.
It covers the design and construction of a new double-track branch line, about 2,225 metres long. As a result, the 6th Pier will connect to the national rail network.
The European Regional Development Fund co-finances both projects. According to the decision, the aims include better transport infrastructure and stronger social cohesion, because rail will reach run-down areas of western Thessaloniki.
In addition, the projects aim to link the rail network with freight hubs, boost Greece’s role as an international freight hub, cut environmental pollution and reduce road accidents.
Both projects have already gone to tender under a single contract, using the competitive dialogue procedure. Railways of Greece S.A. (Sidirodromoi Ellados) is the beneficiary.
The city opened its long-awaited metro in late 2025, as Greek City Times reported at the time.
Source: AMNA
