Thessaloniki Metro extension to Kalamaria opens - First automated branch line in Greek history

The ceremony took place at the Mikra metro station, attended by Cabinet ministers, lawmakers, European Commissioner for Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas, and local officials. AKTOR Group Chairman and CEO Alexandros Exarchou welcomed Mr. Mitsotakis at the new Nomarchia station, from where the two traveled by metro to Mikra for the official opening. 

Mr. Mitsotakis, accompanied by Mr. Exarchou and officials including Christos Dimas, Nikos Tachiaos and George Kotsiras, activated the first ticket for the new Kalamaria line.

The extension branches south from the "25th of March" station on the main line, running along Solonos Street before continuing through Kritis, Moschonision, Mitropolitou Kydonion and Pontou streets, terminating at the junction of Pontou and Ikaron streets near the Mikra depot. The line adds five new stations: Nomarchia, Kalamaria, Aretsou, Nea Krini and Mikra.

The extension was designed to handle at least 18,000 passengers per hour in each direction, with trains running at 90-second intervals, accounting for projected ridership and future system expansions. 

To meet demand across both the main line and the Kalamaria extension, the project included the construction, delivery and commissioning of 15 new train sets.

Mr. Mitsotakis said during the inauguration that planning is now underway for a further extension into Thessaloniki's northwestern neighborhoods, continuing what he described as a commitment the government had made and delivered on.