With the completion of this important project by ERGOSE, which is estimated at the beginning of 2026, the existing electric railway line that leads to North Macedonia and from there to Central Europe will be upgraded, once again opening the way for international passenger routes.
At the same time, however, the modernization of the Thessaloniki - Idomeni axis will improve freight transport abroad, contributing to the strengthening of container traffic by rail to the Western Balkans.
The total length of the axis of the Thessaloniki (TX1) - Idomeni line, in which a new signalling, remote control and ETCS L1 system will be installed, is 71 kilometers. In the Polykastro - Idomeni section, the project extends along the new variant of the line. The implementation of the upgrading projects of this line is carried out with the co-financing from European Operational Programs (ESPA and CEF).
The object of this important project is the installation of a signaling system and ECTS Level1 on the Thessaloniki - Idomeni line, through the new variant on the 20 km long section Polykastro - Idomeni, which avoids traffic through the old alignment and maneuvers along the path of Axios river, while the replacement of 37 track changes for the needs of the signaling system has also been foreseen. In addition, a 2.2 km long electrified bypass line will be built at the new Mikros Dasos stop.
At the same time, the last restoration works of the existing technical cut&cover (T6) are progressing. Upon completion of these works, the Polykastro - Idomeni line will be put into use with an installed electrification system along its entire length.
