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Greek Railway Infrastructure Has Been Affected by the Floods, OSE Conducts Damage Estimation

Greek Railway Infrastructure Has Been Affected by the Floods, OSE Conducts Damage Estimation
photo: RAILTARGET Archive/Greek Railway Infrastructure Has Been Affected by the Floods, OSE Conducts Damage Estimation
13 / 09 / 2023

The recent floods in Greece have wreaked more havoc on the country's railway network than previously estimated. The Hellenic Railways Organisation (OSE), the Greek national railway company, estimates the repair costs at EUR 160 million projecting that the central Greek north-south rail axis could remain inoperable for up to a year.

Earlier assessments by OSE reported 40 to 50 kilometres of damaged tracks, electrical traction, and signalling infrastructure. This figure has since increased to 60 kilometres, and it's feared it could grow further as the floodwaters continue to recede.

While OSE's short-term plan aims to restore at least one line for low-speed, single-track operations within the next few weeks, complete restoration with dual tracks and electric traction might take up to a year. This setback severely affects the Piraeus port, which is currently isolated from rail services, causing significant container backlogs.

The pressing issue remains how the reconstruction will be financed. OSE is already grappling with financial constraints, making this unforeseen expense a daunting challenge. Although initial feedback from Brussels indicated possible financial support for flood recovery by next year, a recent meeting between Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and EU Commission head Ursula von der Leyen discussed advancing the funding timeline. The latter proposed five potential funding schemes to aid Greece in its recovery efforts.

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