Dimas: fast-tracking big projects and new highways reshape national infrastructure

At the second day of the 19th RED MEETING POINT, held at the Athens Conservatoire, Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Christos Dimas stated that a series of immediate interventions are already underway, including a targeted upgrade on the Attiki Odos motorway. The intervention involves the separation of traffic entering from the airport at a distance of approximately 130 metres, with the aim of easing congestion and addressing long-standing traffic bottlenecks on one of Attica’s key transport arteries.

E65: A critical vertical axis nearing completion

Particular emphasis was placed on the E65 motorway, a strategic project designed to improve connectivity between Central Greece, Thessaly, Western Macedonia, and Epirus. The northern section of the project, approximately 45 kilometres in length up to its junction with the Egnatia Odos, is expected to be completed within the coming months, with construction progress already reaching around 95%. Its completion is set to significantly reduce the isolation of regions such as Western Macedonia, substantially improving accessibility and development prospects.

Active construction across the BOAK corridor

The Minister also highlighted progress on the Northern Road Axis of Crete (BOAK), one of the country’s largest infrastructure projects. Following the concession agreement signed in May 2025 for the Chania–Heraklion segment, construction sites are now active across Chania, Rethymno, and Heraklion. At the same time, key road safety interventions have already been implemented on selected sections, with further measures scheduled through the summer. These include median barriers, improved signage, and pavement upgrades, which have proven highly effective in significantly reducing fatal accidents on other road networks.

In parallel, progress continues on:

• the PPP concession for the Hersonissos–Neapolis section,
• the Neapolis–Agios Nikolaos segment, and
• the design studies for the extension to Sitia.

Kastelli International Airport: 70% completion

Significant progress has also been recorded at the new international airport in Kastelli, Heraklion, with construction works now approximately 70% complete. Once finished, the airport is expected to become the most modern in Greece and one of the key aviation hubs of Southeastern Europe. Concurrently, tenders are progressing for air navigation systems and supporting road infrastructure to ensure full connectivity.

Expanding national infrastructure portfolio

The broader infrastructure programme also includes major projects delivered through public–private partnerships (PPPs) and public investment schemes, such as:

• the Kalamata–Rizomylos–Pylos–Methoni road axis,
• the Bralos–Amfissa project,
• the Chalkida bypass, and
• interventions on road networks in Epirus.

In addition, dozens of smaller but high-impact projects are being implemented across schools, hospitals, and public facilities.

Upgrades in education and urban infrastructure

According to Mr. Dimas, the “Marietta Giannakou” programme stands out, under which hundreds of school units have already been renovated, with a focus on accessibility and functionality. A second phase is expected to expand interventions to an even larger number of schools. At the same time, Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs) are being promoted to support soft mobility, e-mobility, and improved urban accessibility.

Resilience and new investment opportunities

Infrastructure interventions are also acting as a catalyst for the real estate market, as previously isolated areas gain new investment potential. Particular emphasis is being placed on climate resilience. Following severe weather events in Thessaly and Central Greece, a €1.3 billion recovery programme is underway, significantly supported by the Recovery and Resilience Facility. As the Minister noted, “the objective is not merely to restore damage, but to build more resilient and sustainable infrastructure adapted to new environmental challenges.”

Strategic objective: modern and sustainable infrastructure

The overarching strategy focuses on developing a modern infrastructure network grounded in:

• sustainability,
• safety,
• universal accessibility, and
• public–private collaboration.

As Mr. Dimas concluded, “the goal is for new infrastructure to meet the needs of the modern economy and lay the foundations for sustainable growth in the years ahead.”