Giorgos Kotsiras: We are strengthening the protection of the railway network and the safety of transport

PRESS RELEASE

Giorgos Kotsiras: We are strengthening the protection of the railway network and the safety of transport

Signing of a contract for the construction of reinforced fencing at three critical points of the railway network: Thriasio, Thebes and Zevgolatio

An important project for the protection of the railway infrastructure in the areas of Thebes, the Thriasio Pedio Complex and Zevgolatio is entering its implementation phase, with the construction of reinforced-type fencing to prevent unauthorised access to the railway corridor.

In the presence of the Alternate Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Giorgos Kotsiras, and the Secretary General for Transport, Stelios Sakaretsios, representatives of Hellenic Railways and of the contractor company "VERMION ATEE" signed today, Wednesday 15 July 2026, the relevant contract, with a budget of EUR 5.3 million (plus VAT). The funding of the project will be covered by the regular budget of Hellenic Railways.

The project includes the construction of a wall made of precast reinforced concrete elements, 2.5 metres high, on top of which a special steel access-prevention system will be installed, giving the fencing a total height of 3.2 metres above ground level. The scope of the contract also includes the foundation of the structure on piles, the earthing works required because of electrification, the preparation of the detailed design studies, as well as the necessary geotechnical investigations and assessments.

The works will be carried out at the Pyri site in Thebes, in the northern and southern sections of the Thriasio Pedio Complex, as well as at selected points in the area of Zevgolatio Railway Station and on the Zevgolatio–Kiato section.

At these particular points the existing fencing has suffered extensive vandalism, has been removed or is considered inadequate, while repeated incidents of unauthorised access and unlawful activity are recorded, which cause significant disruption to the operation of the network and endanger the safety of railway traffic.

The total length of the new fencing is estimated at 5.5 kilometres, while completion of the project is expected within 25 months.

The Alternate Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Giorgos Kotsiras, stated: "Railway safety requires planning, persistence and targeted interventions where real problems are identified. By walling off points of the railway network at Thriasio, Thebes and Zevgolatio, we are strengthening the protection of the network against illegal crossings, vandalism, fires and sabotage. We are shielding the infrastructure and contributing to the smooth running of traffic. Combined with the use of drones and cooperation with the Hellenic Police, the project is expected to further enhance the safety and reliability of rail transport, for the benefit of passengers, employees and local communities. It is one more substantial intervention, within the framework of the broader effort we are making for a more resilient and modern railway."

For his part, the Chief Executive Officer of Hellenic Railways, Christos Palios, stated: "Protecting the railway corridor is a basic prerequisite for the safe and smooth operation of the network. With this particular intervention we are addressing a recurring problem at points where incidents of unauthorised access and unlawful activity have an impact on the daily operation of the railway. We are proceeding with a permanent, technically designed measure, aimed at better protecting the infrastructure, limiting disruption to traffic and enhancing the reliability of the network."