Athens–Pyrgos in 2 hours and 45 minutes – “Today we correct a long-standing injustice,” said the Prime Minister
Newsroom
The Patras–Pyrgos motorway will be opened to traffic today at 12 noon. Following yesterday’s inauguration by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, 65 km of the total 74.8 km of the project—specifically the section from Pyrgos to Alissos near Patras—will be delivered to traffic today, Friday, August 1, 2025, at 12 noon. The remaining 10 kilometers to Mintilogli are scheduled for completion and handover by the end of November, according to the timetable.
Via Olympia Odos, the Patras–Pyrgos route will take just 45 minutes, while the Athens–Pyrgos trip will last around 2 hours and 45 minutes, ensuring both safety and comfort.
“Today, on behalf of the entire Western Greece and the southern Ionian Islands, we are closing a lingering issue from the distant past and correcting a long-standing injustice that has plagued the citizens of Western Greece for far too long. Today is a day of joy, satisfaction, emotion—but also responsibility for what must follow from now on.”
These were the opening words of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis during the handover ceremony of the 65 km section from Kaminia in Achaia to Pyrgos in Ilia of the new Patras–Pyrgos motorway. The final 10 km from Kaminia to Mintilogli in Patras are planned to open by late November.
“The Patras–Pyrgos Motorway is a project of national significance,” declared Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Christos Dimas during the inauguration ceremony for the Pyrgos–Alissos section, held today in Pyrgos, Ilia. The event was attended by the Prime Minister, Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Konstantinos Kyranakis, Deputy Minister Nikos Tachiaos, and Secretary General of Infrastructure Dimitris Anagnopoulos.
Inauguration Ceremony: Handover of the New Route of the Patras–Pyrgos National Road
During his speech, Mr. Dimas emphasized that Greece gains yet another modern motorway—one long needed and demanded not just by Western Peloponnese, but the entire country.
“It is undeniably a project of national scale—both in terms of technical-economic dimensions and the positive impacts of its operation: in road safety, social cohesion, local and national development, and Greece’s growing international profile, continuously enriching its road infrastructure network.”
He added that the project faced numerous challenges due to the economic crisis and ineffective management a decade ago. However, since January 2020, when the Memorandum of Understanding was signed to reintegrate the project into the Olympia Odos concession agreement, the Patras–Pyrgos Motorway has transformed from a negative example into a positive benchmark for public works execution.
“Stagnation turned into progress thanks to the successive governments of Kyriakos Mitsotakis and the active involvement of all Infrastructure Ministers since then. With the contribution of ministry officials, the road was completed on schedule,” Mr. Dimas stated.
He also highlighted the intensified site inspections in recent months to ensure the timely delivery of a safe and modern road corridor. He added:
“With its operation, Olympia Odos becomes the third largest motorway in the country, spanning 277 km, linking the regions of Attica, Peloponnese, and Western Greece, and indirectly connecting Epirus and the Ionian Islands.”
In conclusion, Mr. Dimas affirmed:
“With the operation of the largest section of the Patras–Pyrgos motorway, the government and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport are fulfilling their commitment—on time and in action—to the local community and to all Greek citizens for safe, modern transport and broader regional and national development.”
Deputy Minister Nikos Tachiaos noted:
“In my two years at the Ministry, this is the second road project I see delivered—rightfully credited to the political figure who envisioned, promoted, and completed it. This road belongs to Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who was the driving force from start to finish.”
He contributed to the day’s significance with three main points:
Value of Concessions: “This project was completed because it was integrated into the Olympia Odos concession, an achievement made possible by the Prime Minister’s direct involvement. Had the traditional public procurement method been followed, the project would have faced delays.”
Effectiveness of Construction Sector: “Just a month and a half ago, I doubted we’d deliver the project on time. Yet, the sector proved capable, delivering high-quality infrastructure swiftly.”
Human Life as a Priority: “Usually, a road project is measured by its development impact. But in the case of Patras–Pyrgos, it’s about the human lives lost. That is what truly matters. The government prioritized life and safety, not just speed and growth.”
He also referenced other key projects like the BOAK (Crete’s North Road Axis), indicating broader strategic infrastructure planning.
“Today’s inauguration is not merely the delivery of a road. It’s a seal of credibility, effectiveness, and most importantly, humanity.”
Regional Governor of Western Greece, Nektarios Farmakis, emphasized:
“Today is dedicated to life,” underlining the significance of safe travel and the heavy toll in lives paid on the old route.
“Every child, parent, neighbor, or friend who never returned home is an open wound and a reason to continue with responsible and results-driven policies.”
He also highlighted the development prospects of the new motorway, thanking all contributors from 2019 to today, including the Prime Minister.
“You said it and you did it. You proved that political credibility is not built with words but with actions that protect life and restore trust. This motorway is a symbol of a new path for Western Greece—one where people are at the heart of policies that turn promises into results.”
Secretary General of Infrastructure, Dimitris Anagnopoulos, presented technical details:
“We’re delivering a motorway that isn’t just infrastructure but proof of years of effort by ministry leadership and services since 2019. A project that began in 2007 and overcame multiple challenges before reaching completion.”
Panagiotis Papanikolas, President and CEO of Olympia Odos S.A., stated:
“Today, for the first time, Olympia Odos brings a modern, fully functional motorway to Ilia. Our mission now continues with daily management and systematic maintenance. Our goal is to gradually implement cutting-edge innovations and safety systems—already reducing accidents by 93%.”
He thanked all workers and government bodies for their trust and collaboration.
Konstantinos Mitzalis, CEO of AVAX Group, said:
“We took on a demanding section, which required continuous traffic adjustments. I thank our AVAX team for their exceptional effort—especially in the final six months. We delivered 9 km more than required, for a total of 12.3 km. Only 9 km remain, to be completed by November 30. See you in Patras on Saint Andrew’s Day for the final celebration.”
“Today we deliver a transformative project for Western Greece, boosting growth and opportunity. This motorway was a top priority for our Group, and we are proud to have delivered it on time. It reflects our team’s talent, capability, and commitment.”
Christos Panayiotopoulos, CEO of TERNA, concluded:
“This is a significant day for Ilia and Olympia Odos. A project that remained theoretical for years is now reality. The southern section from Gastouni to Pyrgos, built by TERNA, is a vital link enhancing freight, tourism, and above all, road safety. We worked with professionalism and delivered a project worthy of TERNA’s high standards.”
