The Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Christos Dimas presented the investments that are changing Thessaloniki and Northern Greece at the 2nd Thessaloniki Investment Forum.
Mr. Dimas emphasized that “Thessaloniki is in a period of intense and rapid regeneration, as emblematic projects are being implemented, such as the Elevated Expressway and the extension of the Metro to Kalamaria, which will substantially reshape the transport landscape in Thessaloniki, contributing to the further improvement of citizens’ daily lives.
The Minister of Infrastructure and Transport reiterated that within the first quarter of 2026, the extension of the Metro to Kalamaria is scheduled to be completed, which will include five additional new stations: Nomarchia, Kalamaria, Aretsou, Nea Krini and Mikra.
“The operation of the Metro has already resulted in a reduction of up to 15% in car traffic in the city, and with the extension to Kalamaria, this percentage is expected to increase,” said Mr. Dimas.
Regarding the construction of the Elevated Expressway, the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport said that the progress of the project is at 36% and the construction rate is expected to increase with the second formwork, while based on the schedule, the project will be completed in May 2027.
On the E65, the construction progress in the northern section exceeds 85%, with the aim of completing the connection from the Kalambaka Interchange to the Egnatia Motorway, west of Grevena, in the first half of 2026.
“The completion of the E65 will shape new development prospects for the wider region of Northern Greece,” pointed out Mr. Dimas, emphasizing that the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport is completing, in the near future, the network of motorways in mainland Greece and with the delivery of the last section of the motorway Patras – Pyrgos on December 4.
The Minister of Infrastructure and Transport focused on the geopolitical role of Northern Greece, pointing out that another important investment for improving connectivity, in the context of strengthening security in the region, is the integration of road and railway projects that are part of the European Transport Corridor “Baltic – Black Sea – Aegean” (BBA Corridor).
In the context of the trilateral with Bulgaria and Romania, a Memorandum of Cooperation is expected to be signed in December, which will include road and railway projects, aiming at connecting with commercial ports, said Mr. Dimas, who also spoke about the expansion of Pier 6 at the port and the Western Suburban Railway of Thessaloniki, which will provide new opportunities for the supply chain, in the wider region of the Balkans and Southeastern Europe.
He also referred to the “Marietta Giannakou” School Building Renovation Program, through which 80 schools in Central Macedonia were renovated, of which 45 are in the Municipality of Thessaloniki, while at the same time the major project of constructing 17 new school facilities through PPP is being implemented.
Concluding his statement, Mr. Dimas emphasized that Thessaloniki and Northern Greece as a whole are currently at the epicenter of a major transformation, so that they can have the leading role they deserve.
