Out of a total of 30 projects worth more than 9 billion euros, broader planning for Thessalonikithe largest part, about 6 billion euros, concerns infrastructure, said the Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Transport George Karagiannisreferring to the projects “launched” in the city.

“There are tenders, construction sites, we have handed over several projects. Now everyone sees our planning,” he said in an interview with TV100, summing up, and noted that “the first problem that we had to face in Thessaloniki was that the citizens did not see that something was being done instead of them “.

After visiting the Metro Control Center, Mr. Karagiannis dismissed criticism of the progress of the project and made it clear that “at the end of 2023, Thessaloniki will have both the metro and the old one.” He went on to note that “our attitude towards the people of Thessalonica is a serious one, we never thought of opening with a tarpaulin, without trains.”

He oversaw schedules and Metro Thessaloniki it will be the most modern in Europe. “In many ways, it will be a living museum that will attract tourists from all over the world, a real gem for the city and the country,” he added.

In addition, his project is also moving on schedule. flyover which will provide a final solution to the city’s transport problem. According to Mr. Karagiannis, “building sites and construction will start by the end of 2022.”

Development pole with road and rail links to the port

Mr. Karagiannis mentioned the creation of a second development pole in Thessaloniki with road and rail links to the port. According to him, “after the modernization of the airport, we continue to develop the port, which was the second pillar of the city’s development.”

He said that the road connection will be completed at the end of 2023, and a contractor for the Pier 6 rail connection will appear in early 2023. In fact, the suburb of Western Thessaloniki is also an important project.

“We are creating two strong pillars in western Thessaloniki so that the resentful part of the city can get the place it deserves,” he noted and added that Wednesday will reach Sindos and Kalochori, which also serve the International University.

Railway and flood protection works

After all, railway projects, according to Mr. Karagiannis, play a very important role in the planning of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport. For this reason, as he emphasized, “we are modernizing and modernizing Thessaloniki-Idomeni, increasing the commercial potential of the line, completing both bridges on the French River and at the same time “launching” two important railway projects in Northern Greece.”

In particular, we are talking about Thessaloniki-Toxotes and Alexandroupolis-Ormenio, which are entering the Competitive Dialogue phase. “These two projects are of great strategic importance, as they will differentiate the position of our country in the coming years,” said Mr. Karagiannis.

With regard to flood protection projects, he noted that the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport has put up for auction projects in Kalamaria, Lachanagora and Oreokastro, while informing the competent authorities with the Master Plan about planning their own projects. .