Greece Makes Announcements For Extension Of Athens Metro (Line 4)
The Greek Ministry of Infrastructure recently confirmed that a fourth metro line will be constructed in Athens to service many densely populated areas of the city.
The new metro line will be a U-shaped Line 4 (L4 – U Line) and is expected to serve thousands of Athens residents in many areas that currently have no access to metro stations.
The first phase of the project will include the creation of an 8.9 kilometer line that will make stops at nine new stations in the Metro network under a budget of one billion euros and involve the following connection: Alsos Veikou-Galatsi-Kypseli-Dikastiria-Alexandras-Exarxia-Penepistimio-Kolonaki-Evangelismos.
The full development of L4 (orange-colored line) will span over 33 kilometers and include 29 stations under a total budget of some 3.3 billion euros. The following connections will be included: Evangelismos-Maroussi (10 stations), Alsos Veikou-Perissos (two stations, connection with line 1) and Maroussi-National Highway (three stations, will make stops in Pefki and Likovrisi neighborhoods).
In regards to funds for the new U-shaped metro line, the Greek Ministry of Infrastructure is in talks with the European Investment Bank (EIB).
According to the ministry, the plans for the construction of Line 4 will be presented to the EIB next month. It is hoped that the EIB will cover half of the amount needed for the first phase of the project to begin.
According to reports, the EIB has already invested 1.5 billion euros for works in the Athens Metro and 650 million euros for the Thessaloniki metro (still under construction).