OSE – Design for Ancient Olympia, Kyllini and Araxos

OSE’s focus includes the railway connection of Ancient Olympia with Athens, the ports of Katakolo and Kyllini, the airport of Araxos, but also Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos”. Due to the intense tourist interest, the international archeological site is at the center of the planning for the upgrade of the railway infrastructure of the Western Peloponnese.

The construction of the Patras – Pyrgos highway, the completion of the railway connection from Patras to Ancient Olympia and Athens, it is estimated that within the next three years the transport landscape will change. In combination with the upgrade of the ports of Katakolo and Kyllini, where a seaport is expected to be developed, but also with the planning for the port of Patras and possibly the airport of Araxos, the area is expected to emerge a peculiar isolation, acquiring new development dynamics.

As the Deputy CEO of OSE, Mr. Thanassis Kottaras, told OlympiaForumII, “Ilia in 3 years could be a case study for the contribution of infrastructure to the development of the region. Moreover, in the last two years, the connection of the railway with the ports, airports and industrial areas of the country has entered the top of the planning of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, with the “flagship” the large railway package of 3.3 billion euros. expected by the end of the year.

In particular, the planning for the Western Peloponnese starts with the upgrade of the line Katakolo – Ancient Olympia, which is expected to be completed by OSE in 2022. This is a project of 2.3 million euros. In fact, the line was recently designated as a “tourist line”, enabling the Organization to put tourist itineraries.

In the next few days, another contract will be signed, this time by GAIAOSE, for the upgrade and operational restoration of the historic Railway Station of Pyrgos, with a budget 504,924.22 euros (including VAT). It is a “unique monument”, as Mr. Kottaras said, as it was designed by famous 19th century architect Ernst Ziller.

OSE has also completed the studies for the extension of the railway line from Patras to Pyrgos and Ancient Olympia and a request has already been submitted by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport for its inclusion in the new NSRF 2021-2027.

At the same time, the study of the connection of the railway network with the port of Kyllini and the airport of Araxos is planned. “In order to be able to help the development of an area, the railway must be connected to ports, airports, urban centers, tourist destinations and industrial areas,” said Mr. Kottaras.