The time for decisions has come for the new large transport hub of Athens. The implementation of the long-awaited new central station of intercity bus authority KTEL, which is connected with the wave of renewal which is expected in the coming years in the area of Eleonas thanks to the Double Regeneration, is entering the final stretch. In the coming weeks, perhaps by the end of the month, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport will take decisive decisions on the fate of the project, the budget of which is estimated at 140 million euros, so that the tender will be made public by 2022.
After more than two decades of announcements for the relocation of the intercity buses of Athens in the area of Eleonas, it remains to be decided the method by which the big project will be auctioned, ie whether it will be a concession, a PPP or a public project. A decisive decision for the financing and the viability of the project is foreseen, with the aim of getting the construction work started as soon as possible.
Also, the body that will implement the project of the Central Intercity Bus Station (KSYL) Eleonas must be decided. It is reminded that the area that has been secured belongs mainly to the Attiko Metro, while part of it belongs to the municipalities of Athens and Egaleo.
Recently, the Deputy Minister of Transport, Mr. Michalis Papadopoulos, informing the Greek Parliament, pointed out that the environmental impact study has already been submitted for the project and has been forwarded by the Ministry of Environment to the Attica Regional Council, in consultation.
Also, the financial study has been prepared, which was paid for by the Central Intercity Bus Station, and the project is now considered mature. “The implementation phase of the project is expected to last 16 months from the issuance of the relevant urban planning permit for the building,” said Mr. Papadopoulos, attributing hesitation to the previous government for a project that has been presented since 2018.
She noted, in particular, that under her responsibility, the extension of the Memorandum of Cooperation signed by Attiko Metro with the Municipality of Egaleo and the Central Intercity Bus Station did not proceed, despite the fact that the previous one had expired in 2017.
The profile of the new Eleonas super-hub
The need to concentrate and upgrade the KTEL of Attica, which are now scattered in Kifissos and Liossia, as well as the international lines starting from Acharnes, Karaiskaki Square and Omonia, was realized already in the mid-90s, but the project stayed in the drawer for many years. The state-of-the-art junction that will be built in Eleonas will be a new landmark for the capital, which will serve 16 million passengers annually.
With a design reminiscent of a large airport terminal, with a total area of 40,000 sq.m., the new intercity bus terminal in Eleonas will upgrade the entire area. Based on the design so far, as it was presented in previous years, it will include commercial spaces that will be spread over 11,750 sq.m., spaces of cultural interest 1,500 sq.m., 572 parking spaces and free green spaces 20,000 sq.m.
The necessity of the project becomes clear if we consider the third world situations that prevail in the two existing stations, in Kifissos which serves 36 bus lines and in Liosion which serves 13. The two stations, without taking into account the bus lines abroad that are scattered in Athens , serve a total of 24,650-44,200 passengers per day. That is about 12 million passengers a year, which is the same as a large airport. Today, accessibility is ensured mainly by private roads (cars, taxis) and a few bus lines, while the waiting areas are confined.
The solution to all the above is planned to be the transport “super-hub” of Eleonas, which will house the intercity bus connections of Athens with the rest of Greece (KTEL), the Metro network at Eleonas Station (on the line that connects the port with the Airport), the local bus station, organized parking spaces for de-boarding taxis and cars and parking for subway passengers and intercity bus needs.
Latest News
Massive Wildfire Front North of Athens; Evacuations Continue
Τhe conflagration in northeast Attica prefecture (greater Athens area) erupted instantaneously amid gusty winds near the township of Varnavas, before spreading south towards Mt. Penteli
Greek Industrial Production Up by 9.5% in June 2024
The Overall IPI in June 2023 decreased by 3.0% compared with the corresponding index in June 2022.
Social Security Fund Employee Arrested for Demanding Bribe
Police said woman, 49, was nabbed 'red-handed' after receiving a folder filled with 4,000€, ostensibly to 'facilitate' the issuance of a disability pension
Greek Road Tourism Booms, Eyeing Record 2024
The Kipoi (Kipi) border station recorded the highest absolute increase, with 457,000 arrivals, an increase of 115,000 or 33.5%.
Greek Doctors Issue Safety Advice for Vacationers
The Athens Medical Association offers tips to prevent accidents and health problems during the summer holidays.
Deadline for Self-Employed Professionals to Register for Inter-Bank Payment System Pushed Back a Few Days
Greece’s independent tax bureau, AADE, announced the two-day deadline extension this week, given that the previous deadline of Aug. 31 fell on a Saturday
Capital Economics: Greek GDP Boosted by Tourism
The independent economic research business based in London appears reassuring regarding the effects of climate change on tourist activity.
Int’l Students Will Soon Need ETIAS for Stays in Europe
Starting next year, foreign nationals planning to study in Europe will be required to present ETIAS approval for entry and short-term stays.
Ice Cream in Greece Among Europe’s Costliest
Ice cream in Greece is becoming a costly pleasure with a liter selling for at least 3.7 euros in 2023, among Europe's most expensive.
Eurobank Completes Public Offer for Full Acquisition of Hellenic Bank
Looking ahead, Eurobank aims to fully integrate Hellenic Bank’s accounting operations, with this process slated to begin in the third quarter of 2024.