An unprecedented, by modern Greek standards, international tender to fill 33 executive and technical staff positions at the state-run Hellenic Railways Organization (OSE) was again announced this week by the relevant transport minister.

OSE owns, maintains and oversees rail infrastructure in the country, and just as importantly, manages rail traffic. Human error was reportedly the primary cause of a two-train collision in February 2023, the Tempi disaster, that cost the life of 57 people. Both ill-fated trains were operated by private Hellenic Train.

According to Alternate Transport Minister Konstantinos Kyranakis, this unprecedented call to fill administrative positions will be conducted via an open public invitation and with a modern evaluation process, allowing the participation of experienced cadres from the domestic and European rail sector, major infrastructure and transport organizations, the private sector, and Greek professionals abroad.

“I invite all those with real experience, from Greece and abroad, to actively contribute to this new initiative. The railroad needs people who know how to manage, organize, and get things done. It is an opportunity to participate effectively in a major effort to rebuild and upgrade the country’s rail transport system,” Kyranakis said, in a statement.