Government Enforces Major Railway Safety Overhaul
The Greek government has formally mandated Hellenic Train, the national railway operator owned by Italy's Ferrovie dello Stato, to undertake a substantial investment of €420 million aimed at bolstering railway safety across the country. This directive, which includes significant upgrades to rolling stock and maintenance infrastructure, comes nearly three years after Greece's deadliest rail disaster, a head-on collision near Larissa in February 2023 that resulted in 57 fatalities.
The requirements are incorporated into amendments to a 2017 state contract, which received parliamentary approval on Thursday. A pivotal new element in the revised agreement is a 'break clause,' empowering the state to terminate the contract if the new trains are not delivered and fully operational by 2027.
Investment Breakdown and Modernization Efforts
The comprehensive investment plan is primarily divided into two key areas:
- New Rolling Stock: Approximately €308 million is allocated for the acquisition of 23 new electric trains from French manufacturer Alstom. These Coradia Stream electric multiple units (EMUs) are designed to enhance both suburban and long-distance services, with 11 units for Athens and Thessaloniki suburban routes and 12 for the Athens–Thessaloniki long-distance corridor. The new trains will feature advanced safety and operational technologies, including:
- Remote communication and braking systems
- European Train Control System (ETCS) onboard equipment
- Digital passenger counting systems
- Enhanced sound insulation and adjustable LED lighting
- Maintenance and Digital Systems: An additional €100 million to €112 million will be directed towards upgrading maintenance facilities, depots, and implementing advanced digital systems to improve operational safety and efficiency.
This marks the first major procurement of new rolling stock in Greece since the 2004 Olympic Games.
Context of the Mandate and Future Outlook
The government's decisive action directly addresses the systemic safety failures highlighted by the February 2023 Tempi train crash. A judicial investigation into the disaster is ongoing, with the trial anticipated to begin in March. Hellenic Train has affirmed its full cooperation with the investigation.
The Greek Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport aims for these upgrades to significantly reduce travel times, particularly on the Athens–Thessaloniki route, with a target of under 3.5 hours. This investment is part of a broader national effort to modernize Greece's railway infrastructure and align it with European standards, with the European Commission closely monitoring the country's railway reforms.
5 Comments
Comandante
This investment is crucial for aligning Greece's rail system with European standards and improving travel times. However, the focus on hardware shouldn't overshadow the ongoing judicial investigation and the need for justice for the victims.
eliphas
The break clause in the contract is a good move for accountability, and the modernization efforts are welcome. Yet, the fact that a 2017 contract needed amendments post-tragedy suggests a deeper issue with initial planning and oversight.
Donatello
It took 57 deaths for them to finally act. This investment is shamefully late.
Michelangelo
Finally, some real action on railway safety! This investment is long overdue.
Raphael
It's encouraging to see the government finally prioritize railway safety with this substantial fund. Still, true modernization means not just new equipment but also a cultural shift in maintenance, training, and operational protocols to prevent future incidents.