New infrastructure and transport projects are raising Greece's profile, making the country a key supply chain hub in the region of Southeast Mediterranean and the Balkans. Christos Staikouras, the new Infrastructure and Transport Minister, in an interview with Naftemporiki is drawing a picture of the mission entrusted to him by Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

 

As he says, in the next four years the government have plans for major transport projects, airports, urban tunnels, new metro lines, railway line extensions, warehouses logistics. These projects are expected to transform Greece, placing the country on the international map.

 

“Hundreds of small and large projects are currently underway across the country… You realize that having a great amount of small and large projects underway, small and large problems will arise as well. We work intensively with a plan to contribute to the most effective and immediate management of challenges at every level”.

 

Mr. Staikouras prioritizes the safety of transportation. “We acknowledge that the infrastructure and transport system is a determinant of the rate of economic growth and development, the quality of citizens’ life in the entire territory and, ultimately, the promotion of the country's overall image of strength. It is known that our country, over time, has taken important steps to build a modern infrastructure system. Greece is in a geographical, geopolitical and geoeconomic position of critical importance. It has always played an important role in developments in the wider region. But position alone is not enough”, he says. At the same time he presents goals and priorities on a short-term, medium-term and long-term level.

 

The minister describes the current situation in the Hellenic Railways Organisation’s (OSE) network and gives answers when the signalling and telemanagement systems will be ready. He states that ministry’s goal is to establish systematic analysis of all stages and procedures, so that by simplifying the bureaucracy and intelligent interventions the projects are implemented within schedules and budgets.

 

Finally, Mr. Staikouras emphasizes the immediate need for renewal of public transportotration fleet. Indeed, the contract for the supply of the first 250 electric buses, which will operate in Athens and Thessaloniki, is already underway.

 

The minister also analyzes the priorities of the ministry, which is the reinforcement of the public transport with new vehicles and staff recruitment, and also running a new contest for another 650 buses.