ERGOSE, the Greek railway infrastructure manager, is entering a critical phase of implementation for several major rail projects which will transform the transportation landscape in northern Greece. 

These projects, encompassing the upgrade of 229 miles of railway tracks, are set to position the region as a central hub that will link Asia, the Balkans and Europe. With European rail networks becoming increasingly integrated, the country is seizing the opportunity to use its strategic location for economic growth and international connectivity. 

According to ERGOSE’s plans, these upgrades will bring about significant changes in how goods and people move through northern Greece. The ports in this region, especially those in the port city of Thessaloniki and Alexandroupoli in northeastern Greece, are expected to play a key role. 

With upgraded railway infrastructure, these ports will be better equipped to handle increased volumes of cargo and passengers, both tourists and daily commuters. It is also hoped that the move will attract businesses looking to transport goods across the continent. 

Christos Paleos, ERGOSE’s CEO, recently told the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (ANA) that the developments align with the broader objective of improving Greece’s rail network, which has long been in need of modernisation. The aim is not only to increase the railway’s capacity but also to ensure the network is safer and more reliable – both for freight and passenger transport.

ERGOSE will incorporate the latest technological advancements to reduce risks and improve operational efficiency. By upgrading outdated tracks and implementing modern safety systems, the company aims to meet rigorous European standards. 

Currently, Greece’s rail system faces challenges with delays and inefficiencies. Therefore, increased reliability is another key factor driving these upgrades. New improvements are designed to address these issues, reduce travel times, and enhance the overall performance of the network. 

The economic impact of these projects is expected to be significant. As northern Greece becomes a more attractive destination for international trade and transport, it will generate new job opportunities, particularly in logistics, shipping, and rail transport.

ERGOSE’s project is also set to contribute to Greece’s long-term sustainability goals. By promoting rail as a green alternative to road transport, which emits fewer greenhouse gases, the company is helping to reduce the environmental footprint of the logistics sector. 

It is also hoped that tourism will benefit from the modernisation. With faster and more reliable train services, it will be easier for travellers to explore northern Greece and its many attractions including Mount Olympus and the Philippi Archaeological Site in Macedonia. 

By investing in the future of its railways, ERGOSE is seen to be ensuring that the country remains competitive in a rapidly changing global economy and that it becomes a key player in international transport and logistics.

Mr Paleos added that the completion of these projects “meets the goal of improving and expanding the main rail network with improvements in safety, an increase in the railway’s reliability and attracting more transport jobs as its key criteria”.

He said the projects are of “vital importance” and will “change the landscape of passenger and goods transport in our country and provide the required developmental boost to both the economy and local communities”.