“On the afternoon of March 25, sabotage was committed on a large electric cable from Zevgolatio to Kiato,” says K. John Kokkinakisthe head of the Athens Central Station, begins to explain, as we arrived today, Monday (March 27), that suburban routes from Athens to Kiato and Aigio, as well as intercity routes in Northern Greece, will not operate, despite the announcement of the second phase of the opening of the train.

In accordance with Mr Kokkinakithe damage in question was extensive and resulted in a power outage for several minutes.

“We ran for two days to fix it, and finally the technicians they reassigned stolen cable,” he says, noting, however, that despite repairing the damage over the weekend, Hellenic Train has not approved today’s routes for a number of reasons..

“The routes were not operated under the responsibility of Hellenic Train. OSE was ready to operate them, but Hellenic Train did not operate the routes surprises us“, notes the head of the central station of Athens.

GSM-R system and conditions

Recall that as a condition for the safe resumption of train traffic, the ECO set the presence of two station chiefs at each station in order to exists a complete picture of the movement of trains that will run at reduced speeds, but also at reduced speeds routes.

“From 18 routes a day, we have reduced to 9,” emphasizes Mr. Kokkinakis.

“Alsobased on what we have programmed, no two trains would ever meet in the tunnels. It’s controlled by the station SKAwhich has a system showing the entrance and exit of trains in tunnels. And the speed of trains was planned to be reduced to 80-120 kilometers per hour, depending on the line along which each train will move. Also, from March 22, 2023, the IES checked the branch of the network for electrification in the department Kiato-SKA. Tests were also carried out the work was intense. I must say that this is the highest quality line that we have in the entire national railway network.”

Regarding the safe passage of trains through the tunnels along the line. Kokkinakis recognizes: “Tunnels not in good condition”.

He tells “K” that in correspondence with the leadership of the EfE he was told that in 10 days the tunnels would be redone in terms of ventilation, burned light and fire fighting. Nevertheless, Mr. Kokkinakis emphasizes how “trains could run today, with the aforementioned conditions».

According to the staff, the main reason for not approving Hellenic Train routes is lack of system certification GSM-Rthat is, a digital system that provides communication between drivers and station masters at any point along the route of the train.

Mr Kokkinakis claims that OSE provided her Greek Train with 30 devices the specified system.

“TOwe tested and found that the system in question works as well as wireless. Tests were also carried out in tunnels. In fact, the tunnels on the Athens-Kiato line are small. We are talking about five tunnels from 1300 to 1700 meters. every. the largest has a length of 2.5 kilometers and is located in Kakia Skala.

“As long as the trains do not run, we will have sabotage”

In turn, the President employees OSE, Nikos Tsikalakismentions in a conversation with “K” that the conditions set by the OSE for restart trains based General rules for the movement of trainswhich, combined with the increased presence of workers, lays the foundation for the safe operation of the railway until the problems with the tunnels and network in Northern Greece can be resolved as soon as possible.

“OSE plan is safe. Until the trains act, we will have phenomena, like last Saturday, with sabotage. Until an agreement is reached between the two companies, all the routes that were planned are under threat, as well as the overall plan her gradual railroad opening“.

“Tunnel Trouble”

OUR Costas Genidunia, chairman Hellenic Train employees, in turn, gives a different picture than that described by OSE workers. He notes that the main problem is the tunnels with its evil stairs worry the most.

“The lack of lighting and fire safety in the tunnels is a major obstacle. In the 25 days we’re getting ready to open, couldn’t the lighting in the gallery have been fixed? If attestations the rediscovery was documented, Hellenic would have no problem Train put trains – especially freight trains, where there are large loads. However, if goods do not circulate in the Thessaloniki-Idomeni section, where will Athens start?Thessaloniki with Intercity April 1?

According to the workers, the regional network in Northern Greece (Thessaloniki-Alexandroupolis, Plati Florina and Alexandroupolis-Xanthi) also has many problems with uneven floors. transitions but also other, many problems that raise questions about how the railway can be reopened in this part of the country.

Hellenic Train asks for written guarantees

As for the system GSM-R, notes Mr. Genidunias the following: “about operating environment says that RAS does not certify RAS replies that OSE filed an incomplete file, h hi ose in turn writes that the system is not installed in the machines. The truth is that we, like our OSE colleagues, do not have accurate information on all these issues. However, the workers cannot replace the administration, official answers must be given.“.