Hellenic Train has announced a €308 million investment program aimed at modernizing Greece’s railway system through the introduction of a new generation of electric trains and a significant upgrade in passenger services.
The initiative, presented at a recent economic forum in Greece, is described as the largest private investment ever made in the country’s land transport sector. It includes the procurement of 23 Coradia Stream electric train sets manufactured by Alstom, a widely used European rail platform.
According to the company, the investment is fully financed by Hellenic Train and forms part of a broader strategy to upgrade both long-distance and regional rail services across the country.
Twelve of the new trains will operate on the main intercity route between Athens and Thessaloniki, while 11 will be deployed on suburban and regional lines, improving connectivity between major urban centers and outlying areas.
Company executives said the program reflects a long-term commitment to improving reliability, travel time and overall service quality, while aligning Greece’s rail infrastructure with modern European standards.
Modern technology and safety systems
The Coradia Stream trains are already in service across several European countries and are designed for speeds of up to 160 km/h, depending on infrastructure conditions. They are equipped with advanced European safety systems, including ERTMS and ETCS, which enable real-time train monitoring and automatic braking functions.
A central digital control system manages all key onboard functions, improving operational reliability and service consistency.
Focus on passenger experience
Beyond technical upgrades, the investment places strong emphasis on passenger comfort and accessibility.
Each intercity train will offer 335 seats, while suburban units will provide 362. The interior layout has been designed to improve movement and usability, including dedicated spaces for bicycles, luggage and strollers, as well as improved access for passengers with reduced mobility.
Modern passenger information systems are also included to provide real-time travel updates, aiming to make journeys more predictable and user-friendly.
Sustainability and environmental impact
The new trains are designed with sustainability in mind, using 97% recyclable materials and achieving up to 10% lower energy consumption compared with older rolling stock. They operate exclusively on electric power, significantly reducing emissions in rail transport.
Implementation timeline
Testing of the new trains on the Greek rail network is expected to continue until May 2026, with certification and regulatory approvals anticipated by the end of that year. A training program for drivers and operational staff is also underway to support the transition to the new system.
Hellenic Train said the investment is not only aimed at improving services but also at strengthening broader economic competitiveness, tourism and regional development.
