MANIATIKA, PIRAEUS and DIMOTIKO THEATRO Stations of Metro Line 3 Extension to Piraeus were handed over to the public in the presence of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis

INFORMATION NOTE

Metro Line 3 Extension – Haidari – Piraeus Section

The entire project concerns an approximately 7.55km long tunnel with six new stations, namely: AGHIA VAVARA, KORYDALLOS, NIKEA, MANIATIKA, PIRAEUS, DIMOTIKO THEATRO. Its total budget amounts to 730 million euro, while the project has been co-funded by NSRF 2007-2013 and NSRF 2014-2020, including all electromechanical systems and the supply of trains.

Today (10/10/2022), Phase B’ of the project, namely MANIATIKA, PIRAEUS and DIMOTIKO THEATRO Stations, i.e. an approximately 3.5 km long tunnel, is commissioned.

Benefits

Through the operation of MANIATIKA, PIRAEUS and DIMOTIKO THEATRO Stations, the overall ridership in the metro network is increased by 132,000 passengers per day, and thus, the circulation of private vehicles is reduced by 23,000 and carbon dioxide emissions by 70 tons on a daily basis.

The total travel time from Piraeus Port to the Airport shall be covered by the Metro in just 55 minutes, and it will only need 20 minutes to travel from Piraeus Port to Syntagma.

Moreover, through Metro Line 3 the direct connection between Piraeus Port and Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” will foster growth in the greater area of Athens and Piraeus, with substantial benefits to the National Economy in general.

Stations

MANIATIKA Station: this station is located at Aitolikou Street, between P. Mavromichali and Gytheiou Streets, the area of Maniatika in Piraeus.

At street level, a new square has been configured where the station entrance is located.

PIRAEUS Station: this station is located in front of PIRAEUS Station, Line 1 terminal station, under Akti Kalimassioti Avenue, between ISAP listed building and the Port.

A special construction method was followed in the construction of this station, which ensures non ingress of sea water as well as the structural integrity and stability of the adjacent ISAP listed building.

One station entrance is located in Odyssou Square, right next to the entrances of the station of Line 1, and the other one, in the area where the Port is located.

Thus, a particularly significant Transportation Hub is created in this station, where the operational connection between two Metro Lines (Lines 1 and 3), the Port, the Suburban Railway, the Tram and Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” is ensured. It shall be possible to also use the first station level as an underground passageway to access the Port underneath Akti Kalimassioti Avenue without it being necessary to validate a ticket.

Dimotiko Theatro Station: this station is prominently located in front of the Municipal Theatre of Piraeus, in the historic Dimotiko Theatro Square.

The station has three entrances: one in Dimotiko Theatro Square, one in Korai Square and one in Bakoyianni Square. All entrances are equipped with two escalators and one fixed staircase.

The historic Dimotiko Theatro Square was carefully reinstated to its earlier condition using the same initial original materials which had been stored for being placed back to the Square.

Pre-existing fountains and the statue of Eleftherios Venizelos were placed back to their initial position, while new planting was implemented.

Archaeological finds

In cooperation with the Ephorate of Antiquities of Piraeus and the Islands, the museographic exhibition “Invisible Water” has been organized, hosting replicas of the archaeological finds and an audiovisual representation of the water supply system of the ancient city of Piraeus.

Moreover, the original pebbled floor of a house constructed in the ancient city of Piraeus, as it was revealed during the archaeological excavation, is displayed in a recess on the floor. The archaeological excavation brought to light particularly important finds.

Phase A – AGHIA VARVARA, KORYDALLOS and NIKEA Stations

It is to be reminded that on July 6^th 2020, the first three Stations, namely AGHIA VARVARA, KORYDALLOS and NIKEA, were commissioned. This lead to an additional 80,000 daily transfers to the Metro network in total and a reduction of the circulation of private vehicles by approximately 14,000 per day in the city and a reduction of carbon dioxide emissions by 40 tons on a daily basis.

Information note concerning the presence of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in the inauguration ceremony of the three new Metro stations in Piraeus

This morning, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis attended and addressed the inauguration ceremony for the three new stations of Metro Line 3, which was held in DIMOTIKO THEATRO Station in the city of Piraeus.

“The first port of the country has now been given the place it deserves, a place worthy of its rich history. Once more, our government puts its central motto into practice: Consistency, Continuity, Stability; a motto that we have also applied in the field of major infrastructure projects which have strong social characteristics, since the Means of Public Transport serve all citizens but most of all those citizens which cannot circulate with another means of transport and can afford a cheap ticket and a transportation mode that will transfer them in safety” said the Prime Minister during his speech.

“I am confident that the citizens who were so patient in witnessing the completion of this project will be today overwhelmed with satisfaction and I believe that the same applies for the residents of the areas of Maniatika, Piraeus and the Municipal Theatre (Dimotiko Theatro), since, in addition to the Metro, we are handing over to the public new jewel-squares, by upgrading the quality of life in extremely densely populated area” added Mr. Mitsotakis.

“On the one hand, there are governments which deliver real projects, and on the other hand, there are governments which present vinyl cloths with ticket offices representations as delivered projects, being under the false impression that they could deceive citizens in this way” pointed out Kyriakos Mitsotakis addressing former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras, who also attended the ceremony, reminded him that “that this project practically commenced under the government of our political party at that time; it is a great pleasure to see you here today, since your presence is the proof that these projects indeed have a continuity and that all governments have – in their own way – served these projects”.

“There cannot be sustainable development, reduction of the carbon dioxide emissions and citizen-friendly interventions without ensuring a major extension of the fixed route modes of transport in the city of Athens. Life in the capital will become unbearable, if we will not be able to implement the major infrastructure works, the most important one being that of the Line 4 project, and the extensions of Metro Line 2. Besides, this is the reason why we gave such emphasis on disentangling these projects” stated Mr. Mitsotakis and added that “when Line 4 will be completed and the remaining extensions currently at a design stage will have taken their course more than 1 million Athenians and visitors of the city will use the Metro on a daily basis”.

Referring to the most significant work that was carried out by the Ministry of Culture in cooperation with ATTIKO METRO S.A. on the creation of a permanent archaeological exhibition devoted to the Water Supply System of the ancient city of Piraeus housing the finds revealed during the excavation works, Kyriakos Mitsotakis pointed out that “we have by now become a universal paradigm on the construction of such projects which also serve as the showcase for a rich cultural heritage”.

The Prime Minister also pointed out that ticket evasion is an issue which must be more systematically examined and effectively addressed, since “there cannot be ones paying in order to use the Means of Public Transport and others who don’t”.

Three Metro stations in the service of 132,000 citizens per day and 23,000 less vehicles on a daily basis.

Today, through the operation of MANIATIKA, PIRAEUS and DIMOTIKO THEATRO Stations, an additional number of 132,000 citizens will use the Metro on a daily basis, a fact that will ensure a reduction of vehicular traffic by 23,000 vehicles and carbon dioxide emissions reduced by 70 tons on a daily basis.

The greatest port of the city is now directly connected with the Airport in only 55 minutes! Passengers traveling from the Port will be able to reach SYNTAGMA Station in just 12-13 minutes!

Moreover, the direct connection between the Port of Piraeus and Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” through Metro Line 3 will foster growth in the wider area of Athens and Piraeus, with substantial benefits to the National Economy in general.

The entire project comprises a 7.55 km long tunnel, the three stations that were handed over to the public today (MANIATIKA, PIRAEUS and DIMOTIKO THEATRO Stations) and another three new stations (AGHIA VARVARA, KORYDALLOS, NIKEA Stations).

Moreover, in cooperation with the Ephorate of Antiquities of Piraeus and the Islands, the museographic exhibition “Invisible Water” has been organized, hosting originals and replicas of the archaeological finds that the archaeological excavation carried out in the area brought to light, featuring also an audiovisual representation of the hydraulic system of the ancient city of Piraeus. The original pebbled floor of a house constructed in the ancient city of Piraeus, as it was revealed during the archaeological excavation, is displayed in a recess on the floor.

“The Metro has reached Piraeus. The three new stations, namely PIRAEUS, MANIATIKA and DIMOTIKO THEATRO Stations are a marvel of achievement. Beyond any doubt, here in DIMOTIKO THEATRO Station, we are standing in front of one of the most beautiful and special stations of our entire network” said Mr. Kostas Karamanlis, Minister of Infrastructure and Transport. “Through this project, the city of Piraeus becomes a truly modern and a more humane city. The Metro is the most sustainable and “clean” mode of urban transport. The Metro is the mode of transport which instantly and spectacularly upgrades the citizen’s everyday life” noted he. “After decades, we have managed to finally connect the greatest port with the center of Athens and, without any doubt, with the greatest airport of the city, pointed out Mr. Karamanlis and added that “no one can forget the indescribable inauguration of the vinyl cloths, the rides on the trains in the absence of tracks, that monument of political mischief. And here lies the very essence of our difference, ladies and gentlemen. Celebrations with a missing object of celebration on the one hand and a completed project, ready to be integrated in the city’s daily life on the other hand. This is our difference. This will always be our difference”.

“The Metro project in Piraeus is the solid proof that the presence of antiquities and the survey of the Archaeological Department carried out in the framework of a major public project are a significant advantage for the city, rather than an obstacle to the smooth evolution of the project. The archaeological survey narrates stories from the city’s long life throughout the years, stories can be creatively combined with the development perspective of modern cities. This is the case of the Metropolitan Railway in Thessaloniki. The historical benefit which arose from the archaeological survey carried out in the entire project, especially in AGHIA SOFIA and VENIZELOU Stations, which brought to light, in addition to the most significant Roman and Byzantine remnants, residential testimonies in Thessaloniki dating back in the times of Kassandros is immense. In the end of 2023, you will be the one, Prime Minister, to deliver to the city of Thessaloniki not only the Metropolitan Railway with five stations-museums but also the greatest on a universal scale archeological area integrated into a major technical project, into the daily life of the citizens and the Metro passengers” said Ms. Lina Mendoni, Minister of Culture and Sports.

The Deputy Minister of Infrastructures George Karagiannis stressed that “the total number of passengers of the Metro Lines 2 and 3 will exceed one million on a daily basis. More specifically, every day 1.1 million of people will use the Metro network to ensure their comfortable, fast and safe movement”. He continued by making the following statements: “During our three-year term of office in the Ministry of Infrastructures and Transport, we stand by our commitments, confirming once more that we belong to the political party which is making actual reforms and is implementing major projects. Let me remind you that this project too is a project that actually commenced during the term of office of Antonis Samaras and was completed during the governance of Kyriakos Mitsotakis”.

Upon completion of the opening ceremony, the Prime Minister was given a guided tour of the archaeological exhibition in Dimotiko Theatro Station by Mrs. Mendoni and, further on, he walked on the central streets of Piraeus and exchanged views with residents and shop-owners.

Speech by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis:

Dear Chairman, your Eminence, dear Regional Governor, dear Mayor, Madam and Gentlemen Ministers, Madam and Gentlemen Members of Parliament, dear friends,

When someone speaks last, he feels that all important things have already been said by the previous speakers, so I will be relatively brief.

First of all, I would like to express my warmest thanks to all those who worked extremely hard, so that this very important project for Piraeus and for the basin as a whole, be delivered within the timeframes we had set when the Greek citizens entrusted us with the governance of the country.

As you have heard, this is a project which, right from the beginning, had faced very critical technical difficulties. In particular and as regards the construction of the central station of Piraeus adjacent to the port, some people did their utmost and went far beyond the boundaries of their technical ingenuity for this project to be completed and delivered today to the people of Piraeus.

A project which, dear Mayor, you will realize how important it is for Piraeus only from the moment it is commissioned, a few hours from now.

A project that will finally connect the largest port of the country with the largest airport of the country. It will take only 55 minutes for someone to get from the Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” to the port of Piraeus and vice versa.

And last but not least, a project that will offer a faster connection between Piraeus and the centre of Athens, as the journey will now take just 20 minutes.

This project – we are handing over today – is just a proof of the great emphasis, as the Minister stressed, that we place on the major infrastructure projects, which are mainly funded by European resources. At this point I would like to extend my gratitude to the leadership of the Ministry of Development for the excellent cooperation that exists in all these important co-funded tools that we utilize, in this case the NSRF.

Let me remind you that Europe always stands by our country, not only through the new NSRF but also through the Recovery Fund, which will add quite significant resources to our financial capabilities, some of which are still being directed to basic infrastructure projects.

Certainly, I cannot fail to mention the very important effort made by the Ministry of Culture in cooperation with ATTIKO METRO S.A., in order to prove that the protection of our cultural heritage can go hand in hand with the launch of important infrastructure projects.

Dear Minister, you are right to say that we have by now become a universal paradigm on the construction of such projects which also serve as the showcase for a rich cultural heritage of our country, and in our case, of Piraeus. We will have the opportunity in a moment to visit this important exhibition area, which is also free to the public. No one needs to pay a ticket to admire it.

Furthermore, you can rest assured that in 15, 16 months as of today, at the end of 2023, early 2024, at the latest, we will have the opportunity to inaugurate the Thessaloniki Metro network with 5 fully operational stations which are also Museums, the most emblematic one being Venizelou station, where archaeological finds forming an unprecedented wealth of the cultural heritage of the city are detached and placed back with absolute safely and respect to the cultural acquis of the city.

It is a fact dear Minister: Antiquities hand in hand with the Metro, both here in Piraeus and in the city of Thessaloniki. I strongly believe that even the most sceptical people will be convinced that we have the ability to do what we say we can do.

The Minister spoke about the importance of the fixed-route transportation modes to the basin as a whole. I just want to add that there is no sustainable development, reduction of carbon dioxide emissions and citizen-friendly interventions, without the significant extension of the fixed-route transportation modes in the basin.

The basin will become unbearable if we cannot implement the major infrastructure projects, most importantly Line 4, but also the extensions of Line 2. This is the reason why we put so much emphasis on being able to get these projects back on track. We faced many difficulties in putting Line 4 to tender, but we were able to overcome them and we are now absolutely certain that in 7 to 8 years from now, we will be able to hand over this very important Line with the 15 stations to all residents and visitors of Attica basin.

Dear Mayor, I am confident that the citizens who were so patient in witnessing the completion of this project will be today overwhelmed with satisfaction and I believe that the same applies for the residents of the areas of Maniatika, Piraeus and the Municipal Theatre, since, in addition to the Metro, we are handing over to the public new jewel-squares, by upgrading the quality of life in extremely densely populated area. At this point, I ought to stress once more the degree of difficulty these technical projects entail, since the digging activities for the construction of the Metro system have to be performed in a city with such a heavy cultural heritage, as well as the degree of importance of the know-how that Greek companies are acquiring. A know-how that is exportable, but, first and foremost, is to the benefit of the Greek citizens through these important projects.

Keep in mind just one number. Over 1,000,000, I will say it again, 1,000,000 citizens and visitors of Athens will use the Metro system on a daily basis, once Line 4 is completed and the remaining extensions, whose designs are in progress, are put on track. This is the scale of the invention we are discussing today.

Dear Antonis (former Prime Minister, Antonis Samaras), this project practically commenced under the government of our political party at that time; it is a great pleasure to see you here today, since your presence is the proof that these projects indeed have a continuity and that all governments have – in their own way – served these projects.

I have to point out, however, that some governments have moved at a faster pace and in a more systematic manner while others have chosen to work at different paces. On the one hand, there are governments which deliver real projects, and on the other hand, there are governments which present vinyl cloths with ticket offices representations as delivered projects, being under the false impression that they could deceive citizens in this way.

Dear Mayor, dear Regional Governor, our government is delivering no vinyl cloth today. In a few hours as of now the metro system and the three last stations of Line 3 extension will be commissioned. First and foremost, they will be at the service of the people of the city of Piraeus, a city that is changing, a city that is emerging, a city that is gaining new momentum through a series of most significant public and private projects.

The first port of the country has now been given the place it deserves, a place worthy of its rich history. Once more, our government puts its central motto into practice: Consistency, Continuity, Stability; a motto that we have also applied in the field of major infrastructure projects which have strong social characteristics, since the Means of Public Transport serve all citizens but most of all those citizens which cannot circulate with another means of transport and can afford a cheap ticket and a transportation mode that will transfer them in safety.

And since we are talking about ticketing, dear Minister, we should also examine the issue of “ticket evasion” and find ways to effectively address it, because it is inconceivable that some people pay for their tickets while others use the means of transport without paying the corresponding fare. I am sure we will effectively address this problem too.

Anyway, today is a day of celebration for Piraeus and for the whole basin and I am wishing safe travels to the new trains that arrived – at last – at the city Piraeus.

Thank you.

Speech by the Minister of Infrastructures and Transport Konstas Karamanlis, during the opening ceremony of the three new metro stations – Piraeus, Maniatika and Dimotiko Theatro

A significant project, a project for which we had to overcome numerous obstacles, is officially completed.

Metro has reached Piraeus.

As you may remember, in summer 2020, having overcome various difficulties, we managed to hand over to the public Aghia Varvara, Korydallos and Nikea stations, the three first stations of this Extension, that greatly relieved the daily life of the citizens in the broader under-privileged – in terms of transport – area.

Back then, we committed ourselves to delivering the next three stations within our schedule, despite the fact that all three stations, and especially Piraeus, were well behind schedule in terms of construction.

We have worked intensively and stood by our commitment. The three new stations of Piraeus, Maniatika and Dimotiko Theatro constitute a construction achievement.

Dimotiko Theatro, where we stand here today, is certainly one of the most beautiful and special stations in the entire network.

Let me focus on three specific points:

The first one is that through this project, the city of Piraeus becomes a truly modern and a more humane city. Metro is the most sustainable and “clean” mode of urban transport. Metro is the mode of transport which instantly and spectacularly upgrades the citizen’s everyday life.

The second point I wish to focus on is that, upon completion of this project, the city of Piraeus will be transformed into a transport hub, an infrastructure and transport hub in the broader area.

We are now capable of putting into practice the principles of Combined Transport here in the city of Piraeus, the city where all public transport systems of Attica Region meet. And most importantly, Piraeus Metro station interconnects land / sea / air transport.

After decades, we have managed to finally connect the greatest port with the center of Athens and, without any doubt, with the greatest airport of the city.

This is a huge change with direct impact on the transport of passengers and goods and, especially, on our tourism.

The third point I wish to focus on is the respectful way significant archaeological finds were preserved and displayed.

You can admire here, in this very station, the pebbled floor which had been detached and preserved and was placed back.

Besides, the Metro projects also constitute an extensive archaeological excavation. This Metro project was indeed the greatest archaeological excavation ever conducted in the city of Piraeus.

Thus, the scientific and aesthetic excellence in displaying these finds is the proof that Metro and Antiquities can indeed go hand in hand. We can harmoniously combine one of the most modern means of transport with the promotion of our cultural heritage.

This is the reason why I wish to thank once more all special scientists and the Ministry of Culture for their impeccable cooperation all these years and to assure you all that we will experience the same harmonious coexistence between the Metro system and the Antiquities in the city of Thessaloniki.

And since I mentioned the Thessaloniki Metro, I believe that none of us can or should forget the indescribable inauguration of the vinyl cloths, the rides on the trains in the absence of tracks, that monument of political mischief, which you will all agree should be a thing of the past, and by that I mean organizing inauguration ceremonies for incomplete projects and labeling government announcements as opening ceremonies.

And here lies the very essence of our difference, ladies and gentlemen. Celebrations with a missing object of celebration on the one hand and a completed project, ready to be integrated in the city’s daily life on the other hand. This is our difference. This will always be our difference.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

These three years we have planned and managed to implement – step by step – a comprehensive Projects Plan amounting to a total of 13 billion EURO.

The Projects integrated therein are mostly beneficial for our economy, they bring a solution to serious problems faced by local communities and they ameliorate our lives, giving at the same time a great boost to the development perspectives; and most importantly, these projects play a decisive role in the “brain gain” challenge for engineers who finally are able to find here in Greece new and well-paid jobs. It goes without saying that every Project announced by the government of Kyriakos Mitsotakis has both secured funding and a realistic plan.

This is not a load of hot air.

Out of all these projects, we have succeeded in putting to tender projects of a total budget of 9.6 billion euro. To be more precise, we have signed project contracts amounting to approximately 4 billion euro.

Our project plan includes:

Flagship projects that we managed to disentangle, i.e. the Thessaloniki Metro, Athens Metro Line 4 or other major road projects, such as the North Road Axis in Crete, Patra-Pyrgos motorway, which will commence soon, the E65 motorway which is currently at a completion stage.

These are all great projects that we managed to speed up, like the project we are inaugurating today.

All these projects serve a central purpose, that of turning the country into the infrastructure and transportation hub of north-eastern Europe.

It is must be said that we succeeded in achieving the above by utilizing also the funds and the great possibilities that the European Union offers. Without these funds and without the sound cooperation with the Ministry of Development this project would not have become real.

We have built on the only safe path for our country, the one that our political party has taken due care in ensuring for Greece and this is no other than the path of the European Union.

It would be a great omission on my part not to point out once more the decisive contribution of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. He has stood alongside the Ministry, he was there helping us with every obstacle met, he was there next to every funding dead-end that arose, while building on his great political capital abroad, he was always there ready to find a solution.

As you were able to witness for yourselves, projects focused on fixed route means of transport occupy a central part in our plan. This is obviously no coincidence.

All these projects are part of our plan to boost urban transportation in Athens and Thessaloniki.

Let us now talk about Attica region.

The truth is we are one step away from traffic saturation. Yet, there is still a small window of opportunity to find solutions and to implement them.

Let’s be honest, though. There are no magical solutions. There is only planning. Planning and work. That’s what we do.

For the past 3 years, we have been implementing an intensive plan to reinforce the urban means of public transport.

As an ending note, I wish to thank with all my heart all those you worked hard in order to turn this major project into reality.

My collegues in the government and all our associates in the Ministry. The management and the employees of ATTIKO METRO S.A. and in STASY as well, to which the project is delivered and which is the one to operate the project.

I also wish to thank the personnel of the contractor who have offered their services for years. And last but not least, I wish to thank all previous governments and management bodies, since it goes without saying that they had own share – small or greater one – in this success.

Mr. Samaras, this project actually commenced during your term of office. After experiencing several ups and downs, after the “proud negotiation” and the interruption of the project, there indeed been made some steps during the previous government. Today, the project is completed and inaugurated under the government of Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

Thank you very much.

Speech by the Deputy Minister of Infrastructures and Transport responsible for infrastructures, George Karayiannis, during the opening ceremony for the three new Metro stations: Piraeus, Maniatika and Dimotiko Theatro

The duty of every State which respects its mission is to design and implement policies improving the daily life of every citizen. This acquires a particular value when societies are tested by various crises.

Today, in the midst of health, economy and energy related crises, the Greek State and the government of Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis are implementing in the most consistent way a targeted program related to infrastructures upgrading.

A program exhibiting a uniform concept, development-oriented and with a social dimension, adjusted to the national, regional and local needs.

A program with immediate and measurable benefits focusing on the every-day life and the quality of life of the citizens.

Today, from the “heart” of Piraeus, we are handing over to the public three stations (Maniatika, Piraeus and Dimotiko Theatro), thus, completing the extension of Line 3 and establishing even more the value of the Metro as the most affordable, popular and environmental-friendly public means of transport.

I would like to remind you that it has been 2 years now since the 3 first stations of the Metro extension to Piraeus have been commissioned in the areas of Aghia Varvara, Korydallos and Nikea.

Commissioning of these stations means that an additional 63,000 of our fellow citizens use the Metro network, while 11,000 fewer cars move on the city’s roads and carbon dioxide emissions are reduced by around 60 tons on a daily basis.

The benefits from the operation of the 3 new stations to the city are even greater. An additional number of 130,000 passengers will be travelling by Metro on an everyday basis, 23,000 private vehicles less will be circulating and carbon dioxide emissions will be reduced by 120 tons.

However, the most significant benefit about this Project is that the port of Piraeus is finally connected to the Airport and the relevant distance is covered in less than 1 hour, while Syntagma Station can be accessed in 20 minutes.

The area of Piraeus is now acquiring the position it deserves. The citizens of Piraeus are now acquiring the infrastructures they deserve.

Let me remind you that last December, 44 years after the abolishment of Perama Tramway line, the Tramway vehicles have at last returned to the streets of Piraeus.

It is obvious that the wider area is now gaining a new momentum. All the facts I have presented above are not just numbers or words that sound nice. The city of Piraeus will breathe a sigh of relief.

Allow me to be more specific:

Employed and self-employed people will be able to get to work and to public services more quickly;
Pupils and students will be able to attend their classes faster;
Every young person will travel more easily and quickly to entertainment and leisure venues.
Senior citizens will be able to go for a walk more safely.

At the same time in another Attica region, construction works related to Line 4 are now progressing; Line 4 will actually serve the densely populated areas of Attica Basin and, once completed, citizens will be able to travel from Goudi to Alsos Veikou Station in less than 18 minutes, to reach Panepistimioupoli Station in less than 15 minutes and Dikastiria Station in just 5 minutes.

At the same time, the procedures for the tendering of Line 2 extension to Ilion with 3 stations are advancing, while the further extension of the Line towards Menidi is also under preparation.

Upon completion of Line 3 extension to Piraeus, the total number of passengers of the Metro Lines 2 and 3 will exceed one million on a daily basis.

More specifically, every day 1.1 million of people will use the Metro network to ensure a comfortable, fast and safe movement.

As you can understand, the concept of the Ministry of Infrastructures and Minister Costas Karamanlis is holistic which means that, apart from the individual needs, it takes seriously into consideration the combined nature of infrastructures and achieves the optimum combination of road and rail networks, the Metro network, ports and airports.

It is a structural and extrovert concept, since, on the one hand, it analyzes in depth the characteristics of each sector and, on the other hand, it integrates the optimum international practices.

It is a human-centered concept, since the key objective is upgrading the services provided along the quality of life of every citizen.

I have described in a brief and comprehensive manner our basic concept and the results we have obtained so far in the effort we make to upgrade the public infrastructures and to restore the relationship of trust between the State and the citizen.

We should never forget that this effort made by the Ministry of Infrastructures has both political and national characteristics. The upgrading of infrastructures constitutes, first and foremost, a national bet; a bet that goes beyond all circumstances, political controversies and even governments some times; a bet that is combined with the actual development and the struggle to create the conditions for a better life not only for today but for the future generations too.

This is an act of responsibility; an act that reinforces trust in the State and politics; an act that establishes respect to the institutions. It is an act that strengthens Democracy itself.

Seriousness, consistency and cooperation constitute the ingredients of this effort: cooperation with the statutory bodies, with the Local Government and, finally, cooperation with the local communities.

We, on our side, always act with an eye to the future and with a sense of responsibility towards the citizens and their actual needs.

In conclusion, allow me to say that during our three-year term of office in the Ministry of Infrastructures and Transport, we stand by our commitments, day after day, confirming once more that we belong to the political party which is making actual reforms and is implementing major projects.

Let me remind you that this project too is a project that actually commenced during the term of office of Antonis Samaras and was completed during the governance of Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Once more, we proved that we remain consistent with the principles of our political party, supporting citizens through achievements that bring fruitful results.

Thank you very much.

Kindly visit the following links to obtain detailed photographic material from the opening ceremony and from the stations: