Thessaloniki Metro branch to Kalamaria receives operating license ahead of 27 August launch

Commercial licensing and launch schedule

Greek Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Nikos Tachiaos has signed the regulatory decision approving commercial operation for the Thessaloniki Metro branch to Kalamaria. Commercial passenger service on the new section between 25 Martiou and Mikra will begin on Thursday, 27 August 2026, at 15:00. The newly authorized line will operate as a unified network with the existing main route connecting the New Railway Station, Nea Elvetia, and the Pylaia Depot. Official opening ceremonies will take place at Mikra station on Thursday prior to public entry, chosen because it is the largest facility on the extension and can accommodate invited guests and officials.

Testing, contractors, and safety verification

Issuance of the ministerial permit serves as the final administrative requirement before handing the rail infrastructure over to the travelling public. State entity Elliniko Metro S.A., acting as the project owner and contracting authority, certified the functionality, safety, and reliability of all branch systems. Technical verification concluded after individual contractor certificates confirmed the completion of construction works and performance testing for 15 newly supplied automated trainsets. Construction of the branch was delivered by a consortium comprising Greek company AKTOR, Italian firm Webuild, and Hitachi Rail. Independent certification organization TÜV Rheinland issued the required safety certification after reviewing performance data across the railway systems.

Network layout and operating frequencies

The Kalamaria extension covers a distance reported between 4.5 and 4.8 kilometres, adding five underground stations: Nomarchia, Kalamaria, Aretsou, Nea Krini, and Mikra. The branch connects to the main rail corridor between Nomarchia and 25 Martiou, providing a 15-minute transit link between Kalamaria and the city centre. Automated trains will run at three-minute intervals on the shared central corridor and 4.5-minute intervals on the Kalamaria branch. Under the shared control system, two out of every three trains departing the central section will head to Mikra, while one in three will continue to Nea Elvetia.

It is not a separate line. It is a branch of one line. The second branch is the Nea Elvetia branch. In practice, the network operates as a unified network.

Operating timetable and regional planning

With commercial operations starting on Thursday afternoon, the transit network will return to its regular operating timetable. During the annual Thessaloniki International Fair, the metro will run continuous 24-hour services on Fridays and Saturdays, with authorities considering whether to make weekend 24-hour service permanent starting in 2027. Officials chose the location of Mikra station in part to draw attention to local infrastructure gaps, including the absence of Pontou Street and transit access for public housing communities in Agios Ioannis and Foinikas. Following the start of passenger service in Kalamaria, transport authorities plan to direct future development toward a planned northwestern extension.

That is where all the shortcomings of the lack of Pontou Street and other urban planning weaknesses of Kalamaria are visible.