Kyranakis: Greece Enters Train Maintenance and Rolling Stock Production for First Time

A new chapter for Greece’s railway and industrial production opened today (02.02.2026) in Eleusis with the signing of a historic agreement between ONEX and South Korean Sung Shin Rolling Stock Technology Ltd. Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Konstantinos Kyranakis described the day as ‘truly very significant’ for the Greek railway, marking a fundamental shift in a sector that has deeply affected Greek society in recent years and urgently needs revitalization and restored public trust. He emphasized that today’s milestone joins a chain of positive developments — notably the recent parliamentary ratification of the landmark agreement with Ferrovie dello Stato, bringing brand-new trains to Greece after two decades. Last week, the first test train arrived in Thessaloniki. Kyranakis also reported productive talks in Sofia with Bulgarian and Romanian transport ministers to advance the Vertical Rail Axis — a corridor of European and geostrategic importance. At the heart of today’s announcement lies more than just good news: for the first time in decades, Greece is entering train maintenance and co-production of rolling stock. Kyranakis credited Panos Xenokostas’ personal efforts and ONEX’s collaboration with SSRST, calling it an investment that transfers technology to Greece, creates local jobs, and reactivates facilities idle for over 30 years. ‘A simple “why not?” has become reality today,’ he stated, explaining how this infrastructure will enable refurbishment of aging fleets and restore reliable service for passengers and freight. He also highlighted the rail link connecting Eleusis shipyards with the Thriassio Plain as a catalyst for national development and geostrategy — echoing remarks by Development Minister Takis Theodorikakos. Addressing shipyard workers, he praised their contribution: ‘Development isn’t built with words, but with metal, shifts, and sweat.’ Linking the project to global reshoring trends, he referenced former U.S. President Donald Trump’s manufacturing strategy. In closing, Kyranakis warmly thanked the United States and Ambassador Kimberly Gilfoil, underscoring her pivotal role in enhancing rail safety.