The studies and tender procedures for the extension of the Athens Metro are continuing.
The most mature extension is Line 2 to Ilion, approximately 4 km long. with 3 stations (Palatiani, Ilion and Agios Nikolaos).
The expansion and modernization of the Eleonas train station as well as the construction of an underground parking area are included in the same project.
“Palatiani” station is located at the intersection of Thebes and Andreas Papandreou streets and has 2 entrances on each side of Thebes Street.
The Station “Ilion” is located at the intersection of Thebes and Elaion streets and has 2 entrances on both sides of Thebes street and the provision of transfer connections for passengers with the Station of the same name the future extension of Line 4 to Petroupoli.
“Agios Nikolaos” Station is located under the part of the homonymous street and part of the landscaped green area located between Paramythia, Olynthos, Zitsis and Ag. Nikolaou.
Changes to the Metro
Since it will be necessary to find and build additional depot spaces to accommodate the trains due to the future operation of the Depot, as well as other current needs, the extension of the Eleonas Depot to a neighboring area of approximately 20 acres i. the corner will proceed at the same time of Agia Anni and Pieria streets.
With the future operation of the extension, it will also be necessary to upgrade certain Electromechanical Systems-largely or even completely replace Lines 2 & 3 of the Metro, which will not be able to extend them further.
For this reason, the digital data transmission system will be upgraded or replaced in all stations of Lines 2 & 3.
New equipment and software will be required at the Control Center at the Constitution and locally at stations, wells, etc. with modifications to the particular systems.
However, it is planned to connect them to the existing systems without any disruption to Lines 2 and 3.
In May 2023, the first stage of the competition started and has already been completed, and the second stage will soon follow when financial offers are submitted.
Construction is expected to begin in 2026 and operation will begin in 2031.
Regarding this particular Line 2, the future extension with 3 stations to Kamatero, Zefyri and Acharnes is being studied.
Extension of Line 2 to Glyfada
The study to extend Line 2 from the current Elliniko station to Glyfada with a total tunnel length of 4.5 km is at a preliminary stage. and three new stations.
The first one is located in Ano Glyfada, below Makedonia Square, the second one at the junction of Vouliagmeni and Grigoriou Lambraki and the third and last one in Agios Konstantinou Square in Glyfada.
According to the responsible actors of the Hellenic Metro, the scalability of the Athens Metro is given within the framework of the maturity of the studies and the condition of the funding.
Future expansion
Extension design is another important part of the company’s object.
In Athens, OASA is the authority responsible for this level of planning.
Currently, he is implementing the transport study on Attica, from which the planning, feasibility and sustainability of the Metro network extensions will be derived.
The Hellenic Metro has studied the extension of Line 2 south to Glyfada and the extension of the Metro to Kallithea at an initial stage, ensuring the connection of the SNFCC (Niarchos Foundation) to the Metro network.
The extension of Line 4 to the west, from the station “Alsos Veikou” to the municipalities of Ilio and Petroupoli, which will pass through the municipalities of Nea Ionia and Nea Philadelphia, and the possibility of switching to Lines 1 and 2, has been investigated. Similarly, an extension Line 4 to the north, from “Katehaki” station to Marousi, Pefki and Lykovrysi, with the possibility of switching to Line 1.
Also, a branch of Line 4 from the “Evangelismos” station to PYRKAL was studied, to be networked on Lines 2 and 3, the branch will be part of Line 5 to Haidari in the future.
the extension of Line 1 to the north, from the “Kifisia” station, towards Nea Erythraia and the National Highway (Varymbobi junction) is being investigated.
Source: RES
Interview Between the Time.news Editor and Metro Expansion Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to our special segment on urban development! Today, I have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Maria Koutouzi, an expert in transportation systems and urban planning, who is here to shed light on the current and future expansions of the Athens Metro. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Koutouzi!
Dr. Maria Koutouzi (MK): Thank you for having me! It’s great to discuss such an exciting development for Athens.
TNE: So, Dr. Koutouzi, the Athens Metro expansion seems to be in quite a crucial phase right now, especially with the Line 2 extension to Ilion. Can you tell us more about this specific project?
MK: Absolutely! The Line 2 extension to Ilion is approximately 4 kilometers long and will include three new stations: Palatiani, Ilion, and Agios Nikolaos. This project is essential as it will enhance connectivity for the residents in those areas, making commuting more efficient and comfortable.
TNE: That sounds promising! What can you tell us about the stations themselves?
MK: Each station has been strategically placed to maximize accessibility. For example, Palatiani station will be at the intersection of Thebes and Andreas Papandreou streets, featuring entrances on both sides of Thebes Street. The Ilion station will also have two entrances and will facilitate transfers to the future extension of Line 4. The design aims to create a seamless experience for passengers.
TNE: It looks like passenger experience has a high priority in these plans. Speaking of which, I’ve heard about changes planned for the Eleonas train station. Could you elaborate on that?
MK: Certainly! The Eleonas station’s expansion will not only include modernization but is also set to feature an underground parking area. This addition intends to alleviate surface congestion, making it more convenient for those who want to park and then utilize the metro.
TNE: It seems like the project encompasses more than just extending the tracks. I read that there’s also an update on the Eleonas Depot, which is critical for operational capacity. How does that fit into the overall project?
MK: Yes, that’s correct! The Eleonas Depot is set to expand by acquiring about 20 acres of land nearby. This expansion is crucial for accommodating the new trains needed for the extended lines. Moreover, with the future operation of the new extensions, the current electromechanical systems on Lines 2 and 3 will also need significant upgrades or replacements to maintain safety and efficiency.
TNE: Impressive! When can we expect to see construction beginning on these expansions?
MK: The first stage of the competition has already been completed, and financial offers for the next stage will soon be evaluated. Construction is expected to commence in 2026, with operations projected to start by 2031.
TNE: And what about future extensions, particularly for Line 2 to Glyfada? What’s the status there?
MK: The study for extending Line 2 from Elliniko to Glyfada is currently in its preliminary stages, with the tunnel expected to be around 4.5 kilometers long and include three new stations. This extension is vital for improving access to the coastal areas and integrating them more closely with the rest of the city.
TNE: Those developments sound transformative for Athens. How do you see these expansions impacting the daily lives of residents and the overall urban landscape?
MK: The improvements in the metro system will likely reduce traffic congestion, lower environmental impact, and encourage the use of public transportation. A reliable and extensive metro network can significantly enhance the livability of a city, persuading more people to opt for public transit over personal vehicles.
TNE: Dr. Koutouzi, thank you for your insights today. It’s clear that the Athens Metro expansions represent a significant leap toward sustainable urban mobility.
MK: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to see how these projects unfold and the positive changes they will bring to the city.
TNE: We’ll definitely keep an eye on those developments. Thank you to our readers for tuning in, and we hope to bring you more updates on this and other urban projects in the near future!