UPGRADING OF THE ALEXANDROUPOLI – PYTHIO EXISTING SINGLE RAILWAY LINE

ongoing

The project addresses studies and works to upgrade 68.3 km of the existing single-track Alexandroupoli-Pythio (TR border) railway line. The project is located on the Baltic Sea – Black Sea – Aegean Sea European Transport Corridor and addresses the pre-identified cross-border link Alexandroupoli-Pythio listed in Part III of the Annex to the CEF Regulation (2021/1153). It is part of the Global Project Alexandroupoli-Ormenio (BG border). The overall objectives of the project are to: • improve the rail cross-border connections between Greece, Turkey and Bulgaria, • ensure compliance with the applicable technical specifications, including maximum design speed of 160 km/h, axle load of 22.5 tons, 740 m train length and UIC GC spatial clearance, • enhance passenger and freight transport operations. To deliver on the overall objectives, the project covers mainly: • the upgrade of 68.3 km of the existing single track (both substructure and superstructure), while the substructure will also be constructed for the second track to be implemented at a future stage (outside the scope of the project) • the construction of the rail infrastructure at 2 new railway passenger stations (Soufli, Lagyna), at 1 new service station (Loutro), at 2 new railway stops (Peplos, Lykofos) and the rail infrastructure upgrade at 6 existing stations and 1 stop (Alexandroupoli, Ferres, Tychero, Lavara, Didymoteicho, Pythio and Amorio, respectively) • the restoration of the affected road network • the elaboration of the necessary studies (e.g. alignment, hydraulic, architectural, electromechanical (E/M), structural, traffic, geotechnical and environmental) • land expropriation • the relocation of public utility networks All studies and works will be completed in full compliance with the applicable TSI requirements. The electrification, signalling and ETCS-Level 1 (incl. digital interlocking) are not included in the project’s scope. The implementation of the project and the achievement of its objectives will result in a modern railway line supporting the future developments of the border connections. It will also ensure safety and adequate capacity of rail transport, reduced environmental impact and improved accessibility of peripheral areas. Furthermore, the project will enhance multimodal transportation, as the existing railway link to the freight port of Alexandroupoli (a Comprehensive TEN-T Port) will be connected to an upgraded section of the TEN-T rail network.