Peloponnese railroad network abandoned

The plans to make railroads financially viable in 2011 led to the end of routes in the Peloponnese with consequences for transportation infrastructures but also for national railroads as it didn't work out as planned.

The Peloponnese rail network dates to the 19th century and apart from the meter gauge railroads it also has 153 stations, 79 of which have been listed as monuments. Many of the stations have passenger waiting areas and storehouses.

The Greek bureau of the International Committee for the Preservation of Industrial Heritage has sent a letter to all relevant bodies expressing concern for the “abandonment and looting of the meter gauge rail network of the Peloponnese.”

The 750 kilometer network, apart from the stations also includes stone and metal bridges, tunnels, and warehouses. In the Committee's letter they note that there is significant mechanical, construction, and other equipment , like all sorts of rolling stock, engines, rapid rail automotrice stock.

The Committee notes that many of the stations are falling apart, while others have been partially or totally ravaged by fire, as in Megalopolis, Aigio, and Leontario. Some are being squatted in by substance abusers and illegal migrants, as at Argos, where the station is a listed monument.

However, the main problem is the lack of staff to guard the venues, which in times of financial crisis, cannot be rectified. The railroads are contemplating reopening parts of the route as a thematic tour ride around the Peloponnese for limited numbers of scheduled tours.