The Greek Parliament has officially ratified a landmark contract between the Hellenic State and Hellenic Train, marking a major step forward for the country’s rail system. The agreement establishes binding commitments with clear timelines, oversight, and penalties—moving Greek railways from vague promises to enforceable obligations.
The new contract secures total investments of €420 million, including €308 million for 23 brand-new electric trains—the first new rolling stock purchased in Greece since 2004—and €112 million for maintenance facilities, depots, and digital systems. The investment is fully funded by Hellenic Train’s Italian parent company, Ferrovie dello Stato.
For the first time, the agreement includes a termination clause: if the new trains are not delivered and operational by 2027, the Greek government can cancel the contract. Penalties for delays, train breakdowns, or insufficient maintenance have been tightened, while passenger compensation for major service disruptions has been doubled.
A key innovation is the introduction of a digital train monitoring system using GPS tracking, replacing the previous paper-based and opaque reporting system. This allows for real-time oversight and greater accountability of train operations.
Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Konstantinos Kyranakis, said the arrival of the new trains and upgrades along the Athens–Thessaloniki line is expected to reduce travel time to under 3.5 hours, boosting the competitiveness of rail travel and gradually restoring public trust. “This vote is not just about a contract,” Kyranakis emphasized. “It’s about moving Greek railways from words to rules—and from tolerance to consistency.”
The ratification follows a memorandum of intent signed in May 2025 between the Greek and Italian governments, with the presence of both countries’ prime ministers. The agreement is expected to transform Greek railways with modern trains, upgraded infrastructure, and improved service reliability.
