The construction of metro line 4 will bring everything upside down for the centre
of the city, the central station of which is going to be on Kolonaki square.For some months now, Attiko Metro is studying the part of line 4 from Galatsi to Evangelismos which is thought to be the most mature and expected to be announced by the end of 2012. All possible scenarios have been examined and based on the preliminary design the central station will be in Kolonaki square.
This is the portion of the most ambitious expansion from the Veikou Park to Maroussi, a total of 29 stations, which Attiki Metro, due to technical complexities and funding issues, will break into six pieces. The new 33klm extensions are estimated at 3,5bil euros and will change the whole transportation map of Athens relieving the more densely populated areas.
It will serve 500.000 passengers
It is estimated that the new line will serve daily 500.000 passengers and important sites like the Athens courts, hospitals, the University, the Polytechnic etc.
The cost has been estimated at 1bil euros and will occur with the funding of the European Investment Bank that will cover the 50% but there will have to be more funds from the state for the remaining part, which for now are being sought.
Aim of Attiko Metro is the maturing of all future projects to reduce the nuisance for the people and the projects to be constructed after completion of the expropriation and the archaeological excavations, which are the main causes of chronic delays of up to ten years, although the financial period is six.
The design of line 4
Based on the plans, from Evangelismos the line will continue to Kesariani, Ilisia, Zografou, Goudi, Katehaki and will reach Faros at Psihiko and from there Marousi passing through Filothei, Sidera, Olympic Stadium, OTE. These projects are expected to be announced by optimistic estimations at 2013-2014.
Line 4 has been enriched with new parts towards Likovrisi (as extension from Marousi) and Perissos (from Alsos Veikou) but will run later.
Moreover, an extension is designed from Evangelismos to Pagrati and Vironas aiming at reaching the metro to Ilioupoli.
By Marianna Tzanne
source: PROTO THEMA
