Greece's second largest city gets new metro - and it took 38 years to build

The newly inaugurated metro line in Thessaloniki, Greece, marks a significant milestone for the city after nearly four decades of planning and construction. The inaugural 9.6-kilometre line features driverless trains and 13 stations, and was officially opened by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. For an introductory four days, rides will be free before the standard fare of 0.60 euros is implemented. The metro project's origins date back over a century, with serious construction efforts kicking off in 2003. During excavation, numerous archaeological findings were uncovered, necessitating deeper tunneling than initially planned, resulting in increased costs and significant delays. However, many artifacts and historical sites have been integrated into the metro stations, providing a unique intersection of modern infrastructure and ancient heritage. The overall investment in the first line has reached three billion euros, and a second line is under construction, expected to be completed within a year. The involvement of major construction firms from Greece, Italy, and Japan underlines the international significance of the project. Similar challenges are being faced by Rome's Line C, which has experienced continual delays and cost escalations due to archaeological discoveries, reflecting the complexities of urban transport projects in historically rich areas. From a transportation perspective, this dual focus on modern infrastructure and heritage preservation highlights an essential trend in urban development where cities must balance progress with the respectful maintenance of their historical context. Such projects not only enhance public transport but also serve as cultural artifacts themselves, providing an enriching experience for commuters and tourists alike. However, the ongoing struggles of funding and project management underscore the importance of effective planning and community engagement in large-scale transportation initiatives, aiming for sustainability and efficiency without compromising cultural integrity.