Infrastructure Minister Christos Dimas said at the 2nd Thessaloniki Investment Forum that Thessaloniki is undergoing rapid transformation, with active or planned projects worth approximately €3–3.5 billion. Combined with full metro operation, the launch and acceleration of flagship interventions and overall transport and infrastructure upgrades, these works are driving a substantial upgrade of the city.
Metro extension to Kalamaria — delivery Q1 2026
The main metro line was temporarily closed for one month starting 10/11 to complete testing procedures required for the extension toward Kalamaria.
The extension includes five new stations and is scheduled to be delivered for public use in the first quarter of 2026.
Dimas asked for "a little patience," saying the project has reached full maturity.
The government is also planning future western extensions of the metro to serve dense residential areas (similar to Athens Line 4) to boost ridership and reduce travel times, but the immediate priority is completing the Kalamaria extension first.
Dimas reiterated his admiration for Thessaloniki’s metro, calling it “the most beautiful metro I have been on” because of the archaeological character of many stations (notably Venizelos).
According to the Transport Institute of the National Centre for Research and Technological Development (EKETA), the metro has already changed Thessaloniki residents’ daily life, reducing traffic in the city centre by 15% (source: EKETA).
Flyover (elevated expressway) — 36% complete, due H1 2027
The Flyover project is currently 36% complete. Despite earlier local concerns, ten construction sites are operating simultaneously.
The Flyover is described as a European innovation; when finished in the first half of 2027 it will double vehicle throughput on the corridor from 5,000 to 10,000 vehicles per hour.
Port expansion — Pier 6 (OLTH)
The Pier 6 expansion at the Port of Thessaloniki (OLTH) is intended to strengthen Thessaloniki’s role as a logistics hub for the Balkans and Southeast Europe, giving the port new capacity and competitiveness.
Regional and urban projects — schools, tech park, and more
Projects aim both to improve daily life and to drive the region’s economic growth.
In the past 13 months the government advanced multiple initiatives:
17 new bioclimatic schools will be delivered under a public–private partnership (PPP) in time for the next school year.
80 schools in Central Macedonia are being renovated under the “Marietta Giannakou” programme.
The fourth-generation Technology Park “ThessIntec” is proceeding as a major regional project with importance for the Balkans.
Balkan rail corridor for ports
A Memorandum of Cooperation will be signed shortly with Bulgaria, Romania and the European Commission to link by rail the Greek ports of Thessaloniki, Kavala and Alexandroupolis with Burgas, Varna, Ruse and Constanta.
This corridor is expected to open a new route toward Central and Northern Europe, accelerating freight movement and enhancing competitiveness.
Patras–Pyrgos axis and road safety
The remaining 10 km of the Patras–Pyrgos axis will be opened to traffic on 4 December; 65 of the 75 km had already been delivered on 31 July as the government had pledged.
Road safety measures on that axis have resulted in the elimination of head-on collisions and an 80% reduction in fatal road accidents, according to the minister.
Crete highway (BOAK) — progress and concessions
For the Northern Road Axis of Crete (BOAK):
The public project section Agios Nikolaos–Neapoli is progressing well.
The PPP section Neapoli–Chersonissos is advancing smoothly.
The concession for Chania–Heraklion was signed on 9 May.
Construction sites will begin next month in Chania, Rethymno and Heraklion.
Source: remarks by Infrastructure and Transport Minister Christos Dimas at the 2nd Thessaloniki Investment Forum; EKETA (Transport Institute) data cited by the minister; APE-MPE reporting.
