Finance
Greece orders safety investments by Italian-owned railway after train crash
Published by Global Banking and Finance Review
Posted on January 16, 2026
Last updated: January 16, 2026
Greece Mandates 420 Million Euro Safety Upgrades for Hellenic Train
Safety Investments Mandated by Greece
ATHENS, Jan 16 (Reuters) - Greece is requiring Italian-owned railway operator Hellenic Train to invest 420 million euros ($487.41 million) in new trains and maintenance to improve safety nearly three years after the country's worst rail disaster.
The requirements are contained in amendments to a 2017 state contract with Hellenic Train approved by parliament late on Thursday, the transport ministry said in a statement.
"For the first time, the contract includes a break clause. If trains are not delivered and put into service by 2027, the state can terminate the contract," the statement said.
Background of the Train Crash
On February 28, 2023, a passenger train coming from Athens and a freight train coming from Thessaloniki collided head-on near the town of Larissa, killing 57 people, mostly students.
Experts hired by the families of the victims and Greek investigators have highlighted safety deficiencies.
Hellenic Train had already announced part of the new agreement - a 308 million euro investment in new electric trains from Alstom - in December, calling it "a decisive step toward a safer, more modern and more passenger-focused railway".
The trains will be fitted with a system for remote communication between drivers and traffic controllers and to control a train's brakes from a distance, Hellenic Train said.
A project co-funded by the European Union to install the system was launched in 2014 but was repeatedly pushed back. EU prosecutors have charged numerous Greek officials with malpractice over that contract.
Details of the Investment Agreement
The transport ministry statement said 100 million euros of investment by Hellenic Train was earmarked for maintenance infrastructure, depots and digital systems.
Legal Proceedings and Future Outlook
Following a judicial investigation, a trial over the train crash is expected to start in March. Hellenic Train said last year it had provided all required data and was committed to continuing full cooperation with the inquiry.
"We fully trust the legal proceedings due to start later this year," Alexandra Kassimi, a spokesperson for Hellenic Train, told Reuters on Friday in response to a request for comment.
($1 = 0.8617 euros)
(Reporting by Angeliki Koutantou; editing by Philippa Fletcher)
Frequently Asked Questions about Greece orders safety investments by Italian-owned railway after train crash
1What is a safety upgrade?
A safety upgrade refers to improvements made to systems or equipment to enhance safety and reduce the risk of accidents or failures.
2What is a train crash?
A train crash is an incident where trains collide or derail, often resulting in injuries, fatalities, and significant damage.
3What is a maintenance infrastructure?
Maintenance infrastructure includes facilities and systems designed to support the upkeep and repair of equipment, ensuring operational safety and efficiency.
4What is a break clause?
A break clause is a provision in a contract that allows one or both parties to terminate the agreement under specified conditions.
5What is co-funding?
Co-funding refers to a financial arrangement where multiple parties contribute funds for a project or investment.
