Greek Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Christos Dimas. Photo source: Transport Ministry
Greece is advancing a sweeping upgrade of its transport and infrastructure systems, aiming to create a seamless, modern network of roads, railways, ports, and airports that aligns with the Trans-European Transport Networks (TEN-T) and strengthens regional connectivity.
The national strategy was presented by Greek Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Christos Dimas at the recent “Greece Transportation and Infrastructure Summit”, organized by the Economist in Athens.
According to Dimas, the plan envisions a greener, safer, and more efficient transportation model that supports economic growth and climate resilience.
Major projects underway across Greece
Construction of Crete’s new international airport of Heraklion in the Kastelli area.
According to Minister Dimas, several large-scale projects are already in motion, including:
– The BOAK Motorway (Chania–Heraklion segment) on Crete, with contract signing expected in May and preparatory works underway.
– The Patras–Pyrgos motorway, scheduled for full completion in 2025. The first 65 kilometers are expected to open by the end of July.
– The Motorway (E65) in Central Greece, connecting Kalambaka to the Egnatia Highway, due for completion by spring 2026.
– The metro system in Thessaloniki, now partially operational, will expand with five new stations by February 2026.
– The Thessaloniki Flyover, designed to ease persistent congestion, is progressing rapidly.
– The new airport in Kastelli on Crete has surpassed 40 percent completion.
In addition, eight contracts totaling 1.35 billion euros have been signed for the restoration of flood-damaged rail and road infrastructure in Thessaly and Central Greece following storms “Daniel” and “Elias.”
Water management, dams, and flood protection
The Greek Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport is also prioritizing water-related infrastructure.
Minister Dimas announced the reactivation of the Asopos Dam project in Corinthia and said contracts for the Bramianos Dam on Crete will be signed in May. Additional flood protection works are expected to be unveiled in the coming months.
Rail reform and safety overhaul
A new railway reform bill will be submitted to Parliament in May to address long-standing structural issues.
According to the minister, a comprehensive Action Plan for Railway Safety and Interoperability is already being implemented in coordination with the European Commission.
The reforms will introduce a new unified public body to manage rail infrastructure and advance digitalization, safety upgrades, and performance-based management practices.
To support long-term maintenance, the ministry is also developing a National Registry of Critical Infrastructure to monitor strategic assets including bridges, tunnels, and dams.
Road safety and electromobility
Road safety remains high on the ministry’s agenda. Key initiatives include:
– Modernizing the Highway Code’s penalty structure
– Launching a National Road Safety Observatory
– Promoting digital enforcement and streamlined fine collection
Initial results along the Patras–Pyrgos route have been positive, and similar measures will be applied to other major corridors such as the BOAK Motorway on Crete.
Urban mobility is also being modernized. Hundreds of new – primarily electric – buses have been deployed in Athens, with a total of 950 expected to be in operation by 2025.
Minister Dimas also highlighted the growing impact of Greece’s electromobility programs, which have driven significant adoption of electric vehicles over the past two years.
“We’re moving quickly in the right direction,” said Dimas, noting that the country’s modernization push blends innovation, staff training, private-sector best practices, and strong accountability mechanisms.
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