According to an update from the AVAX Group, the state-of-the-art tunnel boring machine (TBM) that began operations from the Katechaki shaft has now entered the final stretch ahead of the completion of its mission.
The cutterhead of “Athena” is expected to emerge in the coming period at the Evangelismos shaft, marking a major milestone for the project. Immediately thereafter, the TBM—measuring approximately 100 metres in length—will be dismantled. Along its route, “Athena” passed through the stations of Goudi, Zografou, Ilissia, Panepistimioupoli, and Kaisariani, delivering a fully completed tunnel.
At the same time, AVAX’s second TBM, “Niki,” is advancing in the opposite direction along a route of approximately seven kilometres. Having launched from the Veikou shaft, it passed through the Alsos Veikou, Galatsi, and Elikonos stations and has now reached the perimeter of Kypseli Square station. To date, it has excavated 2.6 kilometres of tunnel, representing 37% of its total alignment.
Under the current project schedule, “Niki” will continue through the stations of Kypseli, Dikastiria, Alexandras, Exarchia, Akademias, and Kolonaki, before also reaching Evangelismos, where it will connect with the already constructed tunnel section.
Meanwhile, construction of the Line 4 stations is progressing as part of the largest public infrastructure project currently under implementation in Greece. The project is being delivered by the AVAX–GHELLA–ALSTOM consortium in close cooperation with the project owner, Elliniko Metro. However, at several of the project’s 15 stations—including Exarchia, Rizari Park at Evangelismos, and Goudi—works have either not yet commenced or are experiencing delays due to legal challenges, residents’ appeals, or unforeseen technical constraints, such as issues related to EYDAP utility networks.
Despite these individual challenges, progress on tunnel excavation remains a critical factor in safeguarding the overall project timetable for Line 4—an infrastructure investment expected to significantly transform Athens’ public transport network.
