The Project of Thessaloniki Metro Extension to Kalamaria, of a total budget of 682 million Euro, funded by the Cohesion Fund with the amount of 400 million Euro, was incorporated in the National Strategic Reference Framework.
In accordance with a relevant announcement issued by the Ministry of Infrastructure, Transport and Networks, as well as by the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change, the eastern extension of the main line of Thessaloniki Metro Base Project under construction is incorporated in the National Strategic Reference Framework.
In particular, the Base Project includes 9.6 km of Metro line and 13 stations, while the extension to Kalamaria will add to the tunnel axis another 4.8 km of Metro line and 5 more stations.
Upon completion of the extension it is estimated that 87,000 passengers will be served on a daily basis, while the consequential reduction of use of private vehicles entails a reduction of the percentage of the greenhouse effect gas emission estimated to 8.2 thousands of tons of carbon dioxide on an annual basis. Finally, it is estimated that 1,040 new work positions will be created during the construction phase of the aforementioned Project, and 100 permanent new work positions during the operation phase.
In general, as regards the construction of the Metro network in Thessaloniki, the Deputy Minister of YPIMEDI Mr. Yiannis Magriotis made the following statement:
“The process for the design’s preparation continues at an intensive pace, so that the new line extending from Dimokratias square through Lagada street up to Efkarpia and the Hospitals’ area is put to tender until 2013. ATTIKO METRO S.A., in cooperation with the local agencies, finalizes the alignment of the other two lines. The first line shall commence from the New Railway Station towards Xirokrini, Ambelokipi, Menemeni, Evosmos and Kordelio areas. The second line shall commence from Panepistimio Station towards Toumba, Harilaou and Nea Elvetia areas. Finally, the extension of the line from Mikra station to “Makedonia” Airport by fixed route means is under consideration”.
