New Athens metro construction sites at the beginning of summer

The major project on Line 4 of the Athens metro is entering implementation trajectory. The first construction sites that Athens will see after a decade of economic recession, are expected in early summer. As the Secretary General for Infrastructure, Mr. George Karagiannis, said, the first construction sites will begin operations in Katehaki, in Veikos grove, in Exarchia, and in Kolonaki, according Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport plans, within the summer.

Referring to “one of the largest projects to be implemented by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport”, he estimated that at the beginning of the summer the first construction sites will be set up for the extension of Metro line 4, from Goudi to Veikou and on to Katehaki Avenue. The project budget, which is expected to revitalize the country’s construction industry, amounts to 1.8 billion euros (including VAT).

“One of the largest construction projects ever undertaken in the country will soon begin,” said Mr. Karagiannis, noting that 15 construction sites are expected to be set up in the near future. This is the beginning of the contract for the preliminary works, signed a month ago, which will pave the ground on which the large construction sites of the main project will “tread”. Preliminary work, where necessary, will include the relocation of utility networks, archeological work, and the rerouting of traffic .

It is noted that, according to the contract for the main project, Attiko Metro will not make the station construction sites available to the contracting consortium AVAX-GHELLA-ALSTOM all at the same time. The first deadline is 6 months from the signing of the contract, followed by deliveries in 8-10-12 months. During this time, ERETVO (contractor for the preliminary works) will work to prepare the premises for the construction of the main project.

It is estimated that the large construction project of the first phase of Line 4 of the Athens metro, with a total length of 13 km with 15 stations, can begin, provided there are no delays, in early 2022.

The Secretary General of Infrastructure also referred to Piraeus, saying that the last three last Metro stations are expected to be handed over to the public next summer. “Piraeus will now be a complete transport hub where one can leave the port of Piraeus and be at the airport in 55 minutes,” he said.

Transportation upgrade of West Attica 

Two important fixed-track transport projects will upgrade West Attica in the coming years. As Mr. Karagiannis said, it is estimated that at the beginning of 2022, maybe even earlier, the extension of the metro to the western districts will be announced, with the creation of three new stations to Ilion and Anthoupolis. “These neighborhoods will be much closer to the center, much closer to the airport. The movements will be much easier now and all these areas of Attica will be upgraded, ” he stated in a TV interview.

At the same time, he announced that, at the beginning of next year, the project of extending the suburban line of Western Attica, to the areas of ​​Aspropyrgos, Elefsina, and Megara, will be auctioned. “These areas will also come much closer to the center of Athens and we will offer services to these residents, with fast commuting, while upgrading these areas as well,” he said.

“Once the first construction sites start, we will have new jobs. Quite simply, money will fall on the market and the whole economy will start moving. The infrastructure part moves fuels than 100 professions. So, this money will reach society, people will find new jobs and everything will be much better,” he underscored.