In the general planning of work with traffic in Attica as good as projects which are in progress or will be “launched” in the next period, said the Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Transport in charge of infrastructure. George Karagiannis. Speaking to Radio Real and presenting the main planning directions of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, Mr. Karagiannis noted that “our logic is to fight traffic by expanding the network of fixed tracks and road axles.”

For this reason, he emphasized, “we quickly set about resolving the outstanding issues that existed and transferred three extension stations to traffic. Underground in Piraeus.” He recalled that “no one believed that the project would be implemented, but we put it into circulation and, according to our data, from October 11 to October 31, more than 50,000 citizens use the three new stations every day.”

“We need to further strengthen the metro network,” the Deputy Minister of Infrastructure emphasized and said that “by the end of 2022, the extension of line 2 to Ilion with three new stations will be announced: Palatiani, Ilion and Ag. Nicholas.” According to Mr. Karagiannis, “The suburb of West Attica will be announced in the coming days, which, together with the already ‘undergoing’ tenders for the extension of the suburb to Rafina and Lavrio, will significantly strengthen the network.” “In fact, we will have three tenders to strengthen the commuter rail network,” added the Deputy Minister of Infrastructure.

Mr. Karagiannis made special mention of metro line 4, which has begun construction, and as he said, “with the new metro line, we will be able to condense the stations in the center of Athens.” According to him, “line 4 of the metro will absorb significant traffic, as it will serve 340,000 passengers every day.”

Mr. Karagiannis also mentioned the need to strengthen the rolling stock, stressing that “in early 2023 we will tender for the supply of 15 new trains, while we are also renovating line 1 trains.” As for the buses, he noted that “the goal is to have the first buses in early 2023 and increase the fleet.”

“Attica Road Works Continue”

Regarding the expansion of the network of road axles in Attica, Mr. Karagiannis announced that “by the end of 2022, the tender for the Egaleo Western Regional Highway will begin, which, with three upgraded interchanges at Napigeia, Skaramangas and Schistos, will relieve the western side of the city.” Significant relief, according to the Deputy Minister of Infrastructure, is also expected from the extension of L. Kyumi. “The construction project for the L. Cumi extension will start at the beginning of 2023, it will be 3.5 km long and the longest urban tunnel,” he said characteristically.

Subsequently, Mr. Karagiannis emphasized that “we are also continuing the massive expansion of the Attic road to Rafina, Lavrion and the deepening of Heliopolis.” “Ellinikon will change the entire southern part of Attica, and we must make sure that residents and guests can move comfortably,” said the Deputy Minister of Infrastructure.

With special reference to Kifissos, noting that the responsibility for this lies with the region, Mr. Karagiannis added that “we are in contact with the region, we are discussing some concrete measures that can be taken.” In conclusion, Mr. Karagiannis noted that “at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, we have developed and are implementing a general plan for the development of transport in Attica, where no major infrastructure project has been implemented for 15-18 years, and to solve the transport problem in a comprehensive manner.”