Greece pays Hellenic Train €62m compensation for closed lines

The services affected are mainly lines in central Greece that storms made impassable, plus lines in Macedonia and Thrace. The contract also provides for heavy penalties for poor performance, up to a termination option, and strengthens passenger rights: for delays of several hours, travellers can reclaim up to three times the fare.

Under the contract recently concluded with the rail operator Hellenic Train, the Greek state pays EUR 62 million via the infrastructure ministry for services ordered for 2025 that could not run because lines were closed, mainly storm-damaged lines in central Greece and the lines in Macedonia and Thrace. The contract also contains heavy penalties, up to a termination option, and tougher passenger rights: for delays of several hours, travellers can reclaim up to three times the fare. As early as January 2026 parliament's trade committee had debated the contract changes: Hellenic Train continues to receive EUR 50 million for ordered loss-making services but must pay alone for commissioning and staff training for the new Coradia Stream trains (due by 2027). (LOK Report, 16 Jan and 17 Feb 2026)