Karchimakis highlights the lack of remote operation technology on major sections of the Greek railway system as the anniversary of the tragic train collision in Tempi approaches.
As Greece approaches the three-year anniversary of the Tempi train tragedy, a significant revelation has emerged regarding the country's railway safety systems. According to Lefteris Karchimakis, who conducted an inspection at the Acharna Transportation Center (SCA), many parts of the railway network lack essential remote operation technology. In his comments to Vima, Karchimakis pointed out that while local control exists in the area of Lianokladi, there is no remote operation technology between Lianokladi and Larissa, as well as further towards Thessaloniki, where the responsibility for railway control shifts to a different center.
The gravity of the situation is underscored by Karchimakis' assertion that there is no comprehensive safety and remote operation system in any section of Greece’s railway network. He highlighted that crucial technologies, such as the European Train Control System (ETCS) and the modern communication system GSM-R, are not in place, raising significant concerns about passenger safety and operational efficiency. As the nation commemorates the tragic collision that claimed numerous lives, these findings reflect a lack of progress in addressing railway safety standards, further prompting debates around governmental responsibility and infrastructure investment.
The lack of adequate railway safety technology becomes even more pressing as citizens remember the victims of the Tempi tragedy. With public trust in the railway system on shaky ground, Karchimakis's statements call for urgent reforms and investment in safety protocols to prevent future incidents. As the railway sector reflects on its vulnerabilities, the government faces mounting pressure from the public and opposition parties to implement necessary changes and prioritize the safety of Greek railways.
