New concession agreement for Attiki Odos approved by Parliament

The bill for the new concession agreement for the Attiki Odos was approved by the majority of the Hellenic Parliament on Thursday. The New Democracy party voted in favor, the PASOK party voted "present" while all other parties opposed the bill.

The bill for the new concession agreement for the Attiki Odos was approved by the majority of the Hellenic Parliament on Thursday. The New Democracy party voted in favor, the PASOK party voted “present” while all other parties opposed the bill.

Infrastructure and Transport Minister Christos Staikouras, concluding the session, presented the benefits stemming from the new agreement. He emphasized that “this is the first time in Greece that we have a change of concessionaire on an operating highway,” describing it as an extremely difficult, complex and unprecedented endeavor. Staikouras noted that the Greek state will receive 3.27 billion euros, the highest amount ever collected from the utilization of assets of the Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund.

He highlighted that the benefits could reach up to 7 billion euros over a 25-year horizon. Staikouras announced that starting Sunday, toll fees will decrease from 2.8 euros to 2.5 euros. He also mentioned that, for the first time, a permanent exemption from toll payments will be granted to private passenger vehicles owned by individuals with disabilities and war veterans.

Furthermore, Staikouras assured that employment for workers on the highway will be secured and announced an investment of 380 million euros for the upgrade and modernization of the Attiki Odos. Staikouras concluded by stating that the new agreement also aims to further improve road safety.