Greeks have waiting for this project to become operational for years, as it will connect its two main cities, Athens and Thessaloniki cutting down travel time to three hours and 20 minutes.

The ERGOSE railway operator has just announced the train line is now open following the completion of the Lianokladi-Domokos segment near Lamia, and will be fully operational by February.

Among a series of large scale infrastructure works completed this year the 21km Lianokladi-Domokos electrified line that has been opened to the public will be replacing one of the most problematic arteries of the country. As of now, diesel trains will be running along this segment until full electric operation and signage are in place.

“With these works, Ergose completes a significant railway project: the construction of the new railway line serving the main ‘Piraeus – Athens – Thessaloniki’ railway axis with a modern, fully interoperable dual electrified line,” a spokesperson for the train operator company said.