What investment is Hellenic Train making in Greek railways?

Hellenic Train is required to invest 420 million euros in new trains and maintenance infrastructure.

When must new trains be delivered to Greece?

New trains must be delivered and put into service by 2027, or the state can terminate the contract.

What caused the deadly 2023 train accident in Greece?

A passenger train and a freight train collided head-on near Larissa due to identified safety deficiencies.

Home / Disasters and Accidents / Greece Demands Rail Safety Investment After Tragedy

Greece Demands Rail Safety Investment After Tragedy

16 Jan

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Summary

Greece mandates 420 million euro investment in new trains and maintenance.
The contract includes a break clause if new trains are not delivered by 2027.
The move follows a deadly 2023 train collision that killed 57 people.

Greece Demands Rail Safety Investment After Tragedy

Greece is requiring Hellenic Train to invest 420 million euros in new trains and maintenance to bolster safety measures, a significant step taken almost three years after the nation's most severe rail disaster. Amendments to the operator's state contract, approved by parliament, mandate this substantial investment. For the first time, the contract incorporates a break clause, allowing the state to terminate the agreement if new trains are not delivered and operational by 2027.

This stringent requirement is a direct response to the tragic head-on collision near Larissa on February 28, 2023, which resulted in 57 fatalities, predominantly students. Investigations and expert analyses have since underscored significant safety deficiencies within the rail network. Hellenic Train had previously announced a 308 million euro investment in new electric trains from Alstom, intended to enhance safety with advanced remote communication and braking systems.