Over three years after the Tempe rail disaster that killed 57 people on February 28, 2023, Greece’s automatic train protection system, known as ETCS, remains out of operation, according to testimony in Parliament by the chief executive of Hellenic Railways.
Christos Palios made the disclosure during a session of Parliament’s Public Enterprises Committee, which was reviewing candidates proposed for the positions of chairman and chief executive of the company.
During the hearing, PASOK lawmaker Milena Apostolaki repeatedly questioned officials about the status of ETCS, a safety system designed to automatically brake trains and help prevent accidents.
Palios said the system has been installed and its infrastructure is functional, but it has not yet been put into operation.
His response drew strong reactions from Apostolaki and other participants attending the committee session.
