Staikouras: Gov't implementing actions, projects boosting railways safety

The government has to deal with many, great, and chronic problems in Greek railroads, Infrastructure and Transport Minister Christos Staikouras said during a plenary debate on a motion of censure against the government, adding that he does use Greek trains to travel, himself. 

Debate opened on Wednesday night on the censure motion tabled by PASOK. The motion was signed by an additional three parties and independents, and will be voted on on Friday.

"For the last year and a half, we have started announcing specific things we have done, not what we will do, so that we may continually boost safety in transportation. And yes, I do use trains for transportation," the minister said, responding to opposition criticism. He added, "What the prime minister said, was a complete and safe line, because for 80 km after Daniel [weather phenomenon] there is only one line, and there is no signaling and telemanagement in this part, which is being covered by other means. In addition, projects are being implemented and will be more so during the coming time." 

Staikouras detailed the initiatives assumed after July 2023 to improve railway safety and reduce the possible repercussions of human mistakes, as well as progress in other fields of instracture and transport. 

"There are no magic solutions to long-term problems. They need patience, planninh, national agreement, persistence, and target commitment. It takes a great and continuing effort to cover even more of the weaknesses and lacks and to raise the Greek railways to the level which we envision and which Greek citizens and Greece deserve," Staikouras underlined.