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Construction work on the new Athens Metro includes 15 new stations and 12,8 km of tracks by 2030, but an error in the orientation of the tunnels could impact the schedule and costs
Construction of Line 4 of the Athens Metro, one of Greece’s largest infrastructure projects, has faced a significant setback: an excavation error has diverted the tunnels from the planned route, causing delays and potential budget overruns. With a total investment of €1,51 billion, the new line will add 15 stations and 12,8 km of extension to the Greek capital’s metro system. Attiko Metro SA, the company responsible for the project, confirmed that engineers are correcting the problem to minimize losses and maintain delivery on schedule.
Delays in the construction of Athens Metro Line 4
Incorrect excavation occurred in the region from Kolonaki station, where the tunnels advanced at an incorrect incline. According to the Athens Urban Transport Authority, the works are being adjusted to align the excavation with the original route. However, the correction could lead to a delay in the delivery of Line 4 of the Athens Metro, which was scheduled to start operating between 2029 and 2030.
The new line will be crucial in relieving traffic congestion in the city and providing an efficient alternative for thousands of daily commuters. An estimated 340 people use Athens Metro Line 4 daily, reducing the need for private vehicles and promoting a more sustainable transport system.
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Investments and support from the European Investment Bank
The financing for Line 4 of the Athens Metro has been approved by the European Investment Bank (EIB) for €730 million, reinforcing the importance of the project for mobility in the Greek capital. The remaining amount comes from resources from the Greek government and partnerships with companies in the transport sector railway.
Multinational Alstom has been contracted to supply the autonomous trains that will operate on the new line. These vehicles, which do not require human operators, represent a technological innovation that has already been implemented in cities such as Paris, Singapore and Barcelona.
Sustainability and integration into public transport
Line 4 of the Athens Metro will be fully integrated with Lines 2 and 3, allowing connections at Akadimias and Evangelismos stations. This will facilitate travel between different parts of the city, improving accessibility to public transport.
The use of electric trains will also contribute to reducing CO₂ emissions, supporting the European Union’s environmental targets for the transport sector. According to experts from the International Association of Public Transport (UITP), this type of modernization is essential to make cities more sustainable.
Expectation for the coming years
Attiko Metro SA has reiterated that adjustments to the excavation are being made with all technical rigor to avoid further delays in the construction of Line 4 of the Athens Metro. If the schedule is maintained, the expansion will be one of the largest ever undertaken in the Greek railway sector, consolidating the country as a reference in transport infrastructure.
