GREECE: Project promoter Hellenic Metro has awarded the THEMA consortium of Milano transport operator ATM (51%) and engineering consultancy Egis (49%) a €250m contract to operate and maintain Thessaloniki metro Line 1 for 11 years.
The first metro line in Greece’s second-largest city is currently under construction with opening planned for next year. It will be the country’s first fully automated metro line, the consortium says.
The 10 km east-west line will connect the city’s main railway station and Nea Elvetia, serving 13 stations.
A 5 km southeastern branch between 25 Martiou and Mikra is under construction and will serve five more stations.
Construction of Line 1 started in 2006 with opening originally planned for 2017.
