TÜV Rheinland: Independent Safety Assessment for Thessaloniki’s ground-breaking Metro

The rail services team of TÜV Rheinland has contributed to the successful completion of the Thessaloniki Metro. This groundbreaking infrastructure project was opened at the end of November 2024 and stands as a testament to innovative engineering, cultural sensitivity, and sustainable urban mobility. The first stage features a 13-station subway line that promises to transform transportation in one of Greece’s most historic cities. With an expected daily ridership of 254,000 passengers and the potential to save up to 56,000 car journeys per day from the metropolitan streets, the Thessaloniki Metro represents a significant leap forward in urban transportation and environmental sustainability.

A metro system around and over an ancient urban landscape

TÜV Rheinland played a crucial role in ensuring the project’s success through two pivotal engagements. First, the TÜV Rheinland experts collaborated with Hitachi Rail and AIASA, the joint venture responsible for the metro’s construction. TÜV Rheinland conducted an independent safety assessment covering track, vehicles, signalling, and system integration. “Our longstanding relationship with Hitachi allowed us to provide comprehensive support through the project’s numerous challenges, particularly the complex task of building a metro system around and over an ancient urban landscape,” says Peter Wigger, Regional Segment Manager Assessment and Certification Rail at TÜV Rheinland.

Pietro Marmo, Senior Director of RAMS for Hitachi Rail comments: “Our collaboration with TÜV Rheinland has been extremely positive. Not only are they extremely competent, but they demonstrate exceptional project skills and customer management. TÜV Rheinland provided invaluable support to reach the delivery of the system.”

Long-term sustainability in mind

In a second contract, TÜV Rheinland worked closely with THEMA, the metro operator, conducting a comprehensive Independent Safety Assessment (ISA) that evaluated operational readiness. TÜV Rheinland expert Peter Wigger comments: “Constructing a metro system in a city with such profound historical depth is no small feat. We witnessed THEMA’s remarkable growth from a 20-person team to a robust organization of 400 professionals, assessing their systems with scalability and long-term sustainability in mind. We are immensely proud to have supported this project, balancing modern infrastructure needs with the utmost respect for historical preservation.”

While the initial phase includes 13 stations, ambitious expansion plans are already underway. The metro system is expected to extend further, promising even greater connectivity for Thessaloniki’s residents and visitors.

The Thessaloniki Metro

The Thessaloniki Metro is more than just a transportation project—it’s a bridge between the city's rich past and its innovative future. By preserving archaeological treasures and creating a sustainable, efficient transit system, this project sets a new standard for urban development. What sets this project apart is its extraordinary archaeological significance. The metro system boasts the largest number of archaeological ruins ever discovered within a metro construction, turning each excavation into a journey through time. During the project, workers unearthed a remarkable array of historical artifacts, including coins, glass, pottery, iron objects, and bone fragments, each telling a story of the city's rich historical landscape.