The CEO of the AVAX Group, Mr. Konstantinos Mitzalis, described today as a “major milestone” for the project, noting that the tunnel excavation was completed smoothly and on schedule (late 2025 – early 2026). According to Mr. Mitzalis, approximately 65% of the total tunnel has been excavated so far, and by the end of 2026, the second tunnel boring machine (TBM), “Niki,” is expected to reach Evangelismos station, completing the entire tunnel.
Breakthrough at Evangelismos
The first tunnel section was completed with the arrival of the TBM “Athena” at the Evangelismos shaft, located at the intersection of Vass. Konstantinou and Michalakopoulou streets. During its journey, Athena and the 300-member AVAX–GHELLA–ALSTOM consortium team:
- Installed 3,393 concrete segments,
- Excavated more than 400,000 cubic meters of soil,
- Passed under densely populated areas including Goudi, Zografou, Ilisia, Panepistimioupoli, and Kaisariani.
The breakthrough—the moment the TBM head emerged from the shaft wall—is one of the most critical technical milestones in underground excavation projects, achieved with meticulous engineering and coordination across multiple disciplines.
“Niki” Advances from Alsos Veikou
Meanwhile, the second TBM, “Niki,” is progressing from Alsos Veikou toward Evangelismos, covering a total distance of 7.1 kilometers. It has already completed 2,960 meters of tunnel, roughly 42% of its route, passing under Kypseli Square. The TBM will continue beneath the stations of Dikastiria, Alexandras, Exarchia, Akadimia, and Kolonaki, with Evangelismos as its final destination.
A Strategic Infrastructure Project
Progress on Line 4 underscores AVAX Group’s expertise in executing large-scale, complex infrastructure projects. The new metro line is set to significantly improve urban mobility in central and densely populated areas of Athens, reducing traffic congestion and supporting sustainable urban transport.