Messinian Suburban Railway

Messenia Suburban Railway
Overview
Service typeSuburban railway
StatusProposed / Historical seasonal operation
LocaleMessenia, Greece
Last service2016
SuccessorEMSE
Current operator—
Former operatorsOSE , TRAINOSE , SPAP
Ridership18.290 weekly
Daily ridership590
Websiteose.gr emse-rail.gr
Route
TerminiKalamata
Messinia, Diavolitsi
Stops18
Distance travelled40km
Average journey time10-15 minutes (Messinia - Kalamata) 40 minutes (Diavolitsi - Kalamata)
Service frequency5-15 minutes
Lines usedKalamata - Messinia, Kalamata - Athina
On-board services
Disabled accessRestricted due to age of rolling stock. G.T.W. are disabled accessible
Seating arrangementsSuburban train style
Catering facilitiesOn the stations Messini,Kalamata,Zevgolatio and Diavolitsi
Baggage facilitiesOverhead racks
Other facilitiesMaintenance depot, Cleaning depot, Refueling spot, Driver's dome, Traffic Control Room
Technical
ElectrificationProposed
Operating speed60km/h (till 2011) 30km/h(2012–2016) on Kalamata - Messini Line 120km/h on Kalamata - Diavolitsi line
DepotNorthwest of Kalamata

The term Messenian Suburban Railway (or Kalamata Suburban Railway) may refer either to the seasonal local railway services that operated between Kalamata and Messini, Greece during the period 2011–2016 after the suspension of the railway system in Peloponnese, or to the proposed development of a new suburban rail network in the Messenia regional unit, or the Suburban Railway that existed till 2011

History

Messini's branch

The Asprochoma - Messinia part of the line was built in 1892 but ceased operations the year 1976. Just five years before the suspension of the Metre-gauge railway of Peloponnesos, as a result of the economical crisis, the line ceased operations on 30th of January 2011 after it had been re-opened on 21 September 2007. The line was served by tactical rail services till 2011 but after the suspension the suburban railway was active during Christmas period and August or September during the Messinia Fest making it the fourth operational line in Peloponnese with Patras Suburban Railway, Katakolo-Olymbia and Diakopto–Kalavryta railway, all small parts of the abandoned Piraeus, Athens and Peloponnese Railways . The services were named Proastiakos (commuter rail service in Greece) after late 1990s when OSE did a rebranding on the line. During summer of 2025 the railway line from Asprochoma till Messini was removed in order for national road improvement works to be carried out. Aktor ,the contractor of the project, stated that they will re place the railway line after the end of the main road works.

Korinth - Kalamata line

While there was an active railway connecting Athens to Patras from 1884 the then branch line of Korinth - Argos - Nafplio was constructed in 1886.[1] Other parts of the line were constructed during 1890s by private companies but after 1904 when Piraeus, Athens and Peloponnese Railways Company bought those the railway line took the form known to this day. [2]

Proposed plans

Reactivation

The proposed system would include three lines: Kalamata – Messini, running entirely on Asprochoma - Messenia railway line, Kalamata – Zevgolateio – Diavolitsi, and Kalamata – Kopanaki, utilizing the existing Metre-gauge railway infrastructure of the region of the abandoned Peloponnesian railway. According to feasibility estimates, the reactivation of the Kalamata–Messini line would require an investment of approximately €5 million, with annual operating costs estimated at €700,000. Historical ridership data from 2009 to 2010, when regular service was in operation, recorded 8,878 tickets sold within only 15 days, averaging over 590 passengers per day, indicating a strong level of demand.[3] During the later seasonal operation (2011–2016), daily ridership during peak holiday periods is reported to have exceeded those numbers.

The proposal has gained support from multiple local and regional bodies, including the Friends of the Railway Society of Messenia,[4] the Municipal Council of Kalamata, the current Mayor of Kalamata,[5] and the regional political movement "Prota i Peloponnisos" (Peloponnese First).[3] The Technical Chamber of Greece (TEE) has also expressed formal interest in the project[6] after strong disagreement of the Local communities on a study of TEE that wanted to convert the railway line to a bicycle path[7]

Railway Friends Association of Messenia

Railway Friends Association of Messenia managed to bring back small routes after 10 years when they managed to restore 2 Kilometres of railway line and 2 trains. On the second event (8/2/2026) the president of the association stated that their goal is to restore 12 kilometres of line till Aris by the end of 2026 so clubs and schools can have field trips with trains.[8] Later on they will try to expand the line by 40 kilometres, reaching Desylas, solely based on volunteers and local communities. Ηe also stated that the line only needs cleaning from herbs and at some places ballast arrangement.[9] Although the main goal stays the same, full reactivation of the suburban railway

Switzerland and ELLET

Feasibility and viability studies regarding the broader Korinthos–Kalamata metre-gauge corridor were being conducted by the Swiss Embassy in Greece in cooperation with the Hellenic Society for the Environment and Cultural Heritage (ELLET).[10] The results of these studies were publicly presented in late 2025.[11] A meeting between the Swiss embassy, ELLET and the mayor of Kalamata was carried out on 7/12/25 were they requested 400.000 euros for foundation so specialists from Zurich's university and Metsovio politechnio could carry out a business plan. Swiss experts said that the worth of the infrastructure is estimated to be 5,5 billion euros, while suggesting for the first step reactivation of Kalamata-Diavolitsi and Corinth-Nafplio lines. The mayor stated "The railway is one of our goals as one of the 100 carbon natural european cities"[12]

Due to the previous renovation works carried out between 2009 and 2012 (including station and depot restoration) and the availability of suitable rolling stock, full reactivation works are estimated to require only a few months once approved.

EMSE

EMSE, standing for Greek Meridian Railways Company, is a railway company that was established in 2024. It promises the full reactivation of Kalamata - Athens line with electrification and battery trains. EMSE is administered by Greek and German entrepreneurs, having its headquarters in Tripoli. The German co-founders are the owners of Nossen-Riesaer Eisenbahn-Compagnie[13] which re-activated unused railway lines in Saxony. There are reports saying that already 35 kilometres of railway line have been restored[14] while in the facebook page of Railway Friends Association of Messenia are a few uploaded videos of the said restorations. Railway Regulatory Authority of Greece is aware of the company and hasn't expressed disagreements, although the company is not officially recognised as railway company yet.[15]

Last routes

After 31st of January 2011 when the line shut down, almost every year till 2016 there were organised 2-3 special trips from Greek Railways (then OSE) and railway friends association of England, Germany and Athens mainly for the line to be ready for reactivation. At the same time the last seasonal routes took place from 24/12/15 till 7/1/2016 from Kalamata to Messinia, with tickets costing only 2.50.[16] During Septemer of the same year a storm damaged the switch point outside Kalamata's depot resulting in the suspension of all, even special, routes. With that electrification of stations and train crossing stopped and the seasonal stuff was moved to Patras and Athens resulting in the complete abandonment to this day.

Railway Friends Association of Messenia and Special events

Railway Friends Association of Messenia

The Railway Friends Association of Messenia is active from 1996 to this day. Their presence is of great importance as they are the last to take care of the line, they successfully managed to bring back even small routes and events with more to come.The Association also maintained the last trains located in Kalamata's depot and pressuring for reactivation. It is important to note that the Association is solely based on volunteers. As mentioned above SFSM (Acronym name in Greek) is actively trying to restore the railway line till Aris inside 2026 and later till Desyla.

Special Events

On 31 December 2025, as a symbolic gesture towards the potential reactivation of the Peloponnese railway network, a special ceremonial train operated with the approval of OSE (Hellenic Railways Organisation) after 10 years. The event was organized jointly by the Municipality of Kalamata and the Railway Friends Association of Messenia. The train, carrying Santa Claus, his elves and Christmas gifts,[17] departed from the Kalamata depot and arrived at the Kalamata Central Station, where presents were distributed to children in a festive event celebrating the city's railway heritage and renewal efforts. Afterwards the train did four small routes with passengers on board till Asprochoma,and back to the railway station of Kalamata.[18] Technicians of OSE visited the line in early September and they came to the conclusion that the line is in excellent condition.[19] The municipality of Kalamata has started to maintain the railway[20] while SFS of Messinia opened, cleaned and decorated the station's master office after 10 years.[21] A team made by volunteers repainted and cleaned the 2 MAN1 DMUs that were used on the event.[22] An AlCo was also maintained in case of emergency to be used. The event was a success with more than 2,000 people gathering at the station.[23] The president of the community of Kalamata stated that "this was only the start". The event will be held again next Christmas with a bigger route.

On 8th of February the Railway Friends Association of Messenia celebrated 30 years and again there were a special train that did a small route, with the same train (MAN 1). Railway enthusiasts from Athens, Germany and England also participated.[24] There are many programmed events coming up in 2026 as the president of SFSM Elias Devis stated.[25] The 2nd ALCo located in Kalamata's depot was moved after 15 years of immobility.

Rolling stock

Class Type QTY Manufacturer Power Year Top Speed Photo Additional Info Nickname(s)
OSE Class 6521 MAN 1 21 Hellenic Shipyards 305 kW 1990 120 km/h All OSE class 6521 were moved to Piraeus depot in 2011 in order to be protected and stored for the future reactivation. All units are still available for operation. Only 3 of them are currently on Kalamata depot Kalamatiano (The train from Kalamata)
OSE class 4500 G.T.W. 2/6 15 Stadler Bombardier 550kW 2003 115 km/h All units were moved to Patras were they are seving Patras Suburban Railway to this day Railbus (even thought they aren't railbuses)
OSE Class 6501 Intercity/

MAN 4

18 Hellenic Shipyards 796 kW 1990 120 km/h They were the first intercity trains in Greece along with OSE class 520 (normal gauge). MAN 4 were serving mainly the routes Kalamata-Patra , Athens - Patra and Athens - Kalamata. All units have retired Red Express
OSE Class

A.9201

Locomotive 10 ALCO 1178kW 1967 98 km/h They were used in passenger, freight and excursion routes. They are known for strength and durability while many call them legends of Messinia. 3 of them are stored in working condition.2 in Kalamata, 1 in museum of railways in Athens Americans. The blue ALCOS were named Canadians
OSE class A.9401 Shunting Locomotive 20 Mitsubishi 237 1967 96 km/h Only 4 of them remaining in Kalamata's depot. Most of their equipment has been recycled or stolen. While they were purchased as shunting locomotives they were used also on local freight services, mostly in Ancient Olymbia-Pyrgos line. The mitsubishi 9413 was also used in the excursion ride of 13/11/2010 Oranges

Video Footage

Luckily there are many videos on youtube mostly between the years 2005-2010 which are showing the routes even on cab drives (click the reference to see the video)

Kalamata - Corinth [26]

Athens (Piraeus) - Patras - Olympia[27]

Messini - Kalamata[28]

cab ride of the festive train 31/12/2025[29]

See also

References

  1. ^ Παπανδρέου, Σωτήρης (2023-04-19). "Οταν ο σιδηρόδρομος «έτρεχε» στην Πελοπόννησο | ΕΙΔΗΣΕΙΣ" (in Greek). Retrieved 2026-02-01.
  2. ^ "Σιδηρόδρομοι Πειραιώς - Αθηνών - Πελοποννήσου", Βικιπαίδεια (in Greek), 2025-12-24, retrieved 2026-02-01
  3. ^ a b "Πρώτα η Πελοπόννησος: Πρόταση επαναλειτουργίας του Προαστιακού Μεσσηνίας". ΕΦΗΜΕΡΙΔΑ ΘΑΡΡΟΣ. 2025-11-06. Retrieved 2025-11-07.
  4. ^ Λαγός, Θανάσης. "Μεσσηνία: Προαστιακός τώρα, ή οριστικό «λουκέτο»". ΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΙΑ Online - Εφημερίδα Ελευθερία - Ειδήσεις από την Καλαμάτα, την Μεσσηνία, την Πελοπόννησο, την Ελλάδα (in Greek). Archived from the original on 2025-10-02. Retrieved 2025-11-07.
  5. ^ "Πληθαίνουν οι φωνές για την επαναλειτουργία του σιδηροδρόμου". ΕΦΗΜΕΡΙΔΑ ΘΑΡΡΟΣ. 2025-09-23. Retrieved 2025-11-07.
  6. ^ "Ψήφισμα της αντιπροσωπείας του ΤΕΕ Πελοποννήσου για τον σιδηρόδρομο Πελοποννήσου". BEST TV Καλαμάτα (in Greek). 7 November 2025. Retrieved 2025-11-07.
  7. ^ Sepi (2025-10-03). "ΔΤ: Το Τεχνικό Επιμελητήριο Ελλάδας και το Υπουργείο Περιβάλλοντος προωθούν την οριστική καταστροφή του Σιδηροδρομικού Δικτύου της Πελοποννήσου". Ελληνική Εταιρεία Περιβάλλοντος και Πολιτισμού (in Greek). Retrieved 2025-11-07.
  8. ^ "Το τρένο σφύριξε ξανά στην Καλαμάτα: 30 χρόνια Συλλόγου Φίλων Σιδηροδρόμου Μεσσηνίας και μήνυμα για μόνιμη επαναλειτουργία - Messinia Live" (in Greek). 2026-02-08. Retrieved 2026-02-08.
  9. ^ Messinialive.gr (2026-02-08). ΗΡΘΕ ΤΟ ΤΡΕΝΟ ΞΑΝΑ! KOΠΗ ΒΑΣΙΛΟΠΙΤΑΣ ΚΑΙ 30 ΧΡΟΝΙΑ ΦΙΛΟΙ ΤΟΥ ΣΙΔΗΡΟΔΡΟΜΟΥ ΜΕΣΣΗΝΟΑΣ. Retrieved 2026-02-08 – via YouTube.
  10. ^ "Τι σκέφτονται οι Ελβετοί για το τραίνο της Πελοποννήσου". www.anagnostis.org/ (in Greek). 2024-03-17. Retrieved 2025-11-07.
  11. ^ Sepi (2025-10-23). "ΔΤ: Καλά νέα για τον Σιδηρόδρομο της Πελοποννήσου". Ελληνική Εταιρεία Περιβάλλοντος και Πολιτισμού (in Greek). Retrieved 2025-11-07.
  12. ^ SFEDONA (2025-12-07). "Νέα ώθηση για την επαναλειτουργία του Σιδηροδρόμου στην Πελοπόννησο – Ελβετικό ενδιαφέρον και ανάγκη για χρηματοδότηση της μελέτης βιωσιμότητας". Sfedona.gr (in Greek). Retrieved 2026-01-18.
  13. ^ "Nossen-Riesaer Eisenbahn-Compagnie", Wikipedia (in German), 2025-04-24, retrieved 2026-02-01
  14. ^ ffotinos (2025-10-02). "Ενδιαφέρον από την «Εταιρεία Μεσημβρινών Σιδηροδρόμων Ελλάδος» για το ανενεργό δίκτυο Πελοποννήσου". Metaforespress (in Greek). Retrieved 2026-02-01.
  15. ^ Ypodomes.com, Newsroom (2025-10-07). "Ενδιαφέρον εξέφρασε η ΕΜΣΕ για τη λειτουργία της σιδηροδρομικής γραμμής Κόρινθος – Καλαμάτα". Ypodomes.com (in Greek). Retrieved 2026-02-01. {{cite web}}: |first= has generic name (help)
  16. ^ "Δελτίο Τύπου 24/12/2015 - Σιδηροδρομικά Δρομολόγια στο τμήμα Καλαμάτα – Μεσσήνη για τις εορτές Χριστουγέννων και Πρωτοχρονιάς | Hellenic Train". www.hellenictrain.gr (in Greek). Retrieved 2026-02-06.
  17. ^ ""Το Πολικό Εξπρές" έρχεται παραμονή Πρωτοχρονιάς στην Καλαμάτα: Το τρένο του Άη Βασίλη μαζί με τα ξωτικά του θα φτάσει στον Κεντρικό Σιδηροδρομικό Σταθμό - Messinia Live" (in Greek). 2025-10-30. Retrieved 2025-11-09.
  18. ^ "Ο Άγιος Βασίλης έρχεται με το τρένο στην Καλαμάτα την παραμονή της Πρωτοχρονιάς". ΕΦΗΜΕΡΙΔΑ ΘΑΡΡΟΣ. 2025-10-31. Retrieved 2025-11-09.
  19. ^ Σινάπης, Γιάννης. "Το τρένο θα σφυρίξει συμβολικά μετά από 10 χρόνια: Προχωρούν οι ετοιμασίες στη γραμμή της Καλαμάτας". ΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΙΑ Online - Εφημερίδα Ελευθερία - Ειδήσεις από την Καλαμάτα, την Μεσσηνία, την Πελοπόννησο, την Ελλάδα (in Greek). Archived from the original on 2025-12-10. Retrieved 2025-12-20.
  20. ^ "Σε πυρετό προετοιμασιών η Καλαμάτα για το εορταστικό τρένο την παραμονή της Πρωτοχρονιάς-Καθαρίζεται η γραμμή - Messinia Live" (in Greek). 2025-12-09. Retrieved 2025-12-20.
  21. ^ "Μετά από 10 χρόνια άνοιξε και πάλι το Σταθμαρχείο στον κεντρικό Σιδηροδρομικό Σταθμό Καλαμάτας-Ετοιμασίες για το "τρένο του Άη Βασίλη" - Messinia Live" (in Greek). 2025-12-18. Retrieved 2025-12-20.
  22. ^ "Συνεχίζονται οι προετοιμασίες για το τρένο του Άη Βασίλη που παραμονή Πρωτοχρονιάς έρχεται στην Καλαμάτα - Messinia Live" (in Greek). 2025-12-13. Retrieved 2025-12-20.
  23. ^ "Ηχηρό μήνυμα επαναλειτουργίας του τρένου έστειλε παραμονή Πρωτοχρονιάς η Καλαμάτα - Messinia Live" (in Greek). 2026-01-01. Retrieved 2026-01-01.
  24. ^ "Σύλλογος Φίλων Σιδηροδρόμου Μεσσηνίας: Γιορτάζει τα 30 χρόνια του στις 8 Φεβρουαρίου στο Σταθμό και φέρνει και πάλι το τρένο στην Καλαμάτα". Messinia Live (in Greek). 2026-01-31. Retrieved 2026-02-01.
  25. ^ "Το τρένο σφύριξε ξανά στην Καλαμάτα: 30 χρόνια Συλλόγου Φίλων Σιδηροδρόμου Μεσσηνίας και μήνυμα για μόνιμη επαναλειτουργία - Messinia Live" (in Greek). 2026-02-08. Retrieved 2026-02-08.
  26. ^ afidaz Grklmt (2020-05-20). ΣΠΑΠ Καλαμάτα Κόρινθος cab ride. Retrieved 2025-12-21 – via YouTube.
  27. ^ Γρηγόρης Gregory Θεοφανίδης Theofanidis (2018-03-10). ΣΠΑΠ Πειραιας Κορινθος Πατρα Πυργος Ολυμπία. Retrieved 2025-12-21 – via YouTube.
  28. ^ MLWA450 (2013-09-24). Cab ride at Messini line. Retrieved 2025-12-21 – via YouTube.{{cite AV media}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  29. ^ Rails & Trains (2026-01-17). Front‑View Ride Into Kalamata — Rare Train Movement After 15 Years (Depot → Station). Retrieved 2026-02-01 – via YouTube.
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