Why Crete Lacks Railway Infrastructure: Insights from Deputy Minister Tachiaos? This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Railway Infrastructure
Photo, source: www.argophilia.com

Deputy Minister Nikos Tachiaos firmly dismissed railway infrastructure plans for Crete during a parliamentary session. He highlighted the absence of Crete’s rail transport planning in the European Trans-European Transport Network framework.

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Regulation 1679/2024, which outlines transport goals through 2050, excludes railway projects on Crete, hindering EU support. Tachiaos clarified that without inclusion, no financial backing for such initiatives is possible. “To fund such projects, the EU must allocate increased resources,” he told Greek media.

Tachiaos emphasized key prerequisites for initiating railway projects, including thorough cost-benefit analyses and strategic development plans. He questioned the timing by referencing Crete’s current airport construction, rhetorically asking if new projects can grow funds magically.

Competing Infrastructure Priorities and Railway Infrastructure

Current major infrastructure efforts in Crete focus on projects like the Northern Road Axis (VOAK) and the new Kasteli Airport. Additionally, €10 million is earmarked for temporary upgrades to the existing VOAK road network.

The deputy minister stressed that infrastructure decisions rely on detailed studies, not political desires. “Projects arise from necessity, not agreements between local officials,” he asserted, emphasizing rigorous planning.

Budget Challenges Facing Railway Infrastructure Development

Tachiaos noted Greece’s National Strategic Reference Framework allocates €1.9 billion for infrastructure through 2027, limiting new projects. He described Crete’s existing airport passenger flow as highly seasonal, primarily serving organized tourist groups.

During the winter months, he explained, air traffic declines significantly, further complicating the feasibility of additional transport infrastructure.

Commitment to Ongoing Projects

The government’s priority remains completing ongoing efforts like the BOAK and Kasteli Airport projects. Tachiaos reiterated their resolve to avoid overpromising on large-scale endeavors such as rail systems. “We must remain honest about resources and priorities,” he concluded, rejecting political opportunism.

Photo, source: www.argophilia.com

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