Hellenic Railways Organisation
The Hellenic Railways Organisation or OSE was the Greek national railway company which owned, maintained and operated all railway infrastructure in Greece with the exception of Athens' rapid transit lines from 1971 to 2025. Services on these lines are run by Hellenic Train., a former OSE subsidiary, Rail Cargo Logistics Goldair, Pearl and Grup Feroviar Român.
History
Hellenis Railways Organisation was founded on 1 January 1971, with the Legislative Decree 674/1970, taking over the responsibilities as the successor to the Hellenic State Railways which had been founded in 1920. OSE is owned 100% by the Greek State. In 1996 ERGOSE was created within OSE to facilitate infrastructure projects. In 1999 The first section of the electrified line between Thessaloniki and Eidomeni is opened. Power is provided by an Overhead Contract System with 25 kV AC, 50 HzIn 2001, the infrastructure element of OSE was created, known as GAIAOSE. It would henceforth be responsible for the maintenance of stations, bridges and other elements of the network, as well as the leasing and sale of railway assists. In 2003, OSE launched "Proastiakos SA", as a subsidiary to serve the operation of the suburban network in the urban complex of Athens during the 2004 Olympic Games. In 2005, TrainOSE was created as a brand within OSE to concentrate on rail services and passenger interface. In 2008, all Proastiakos were transferred from OSE to TrainOSE. In 2013 ΕΕΣΣΤΥ, Stock Maintenance Company became a separate part of OSE responsible for both the maintenance of rolling stock and the leasing of it.
In December 2008 the Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund became the sole shareholder of the corporation. A tendering process for the privatisation of TrainOSE began in July 2013. After a change in government the process was suspended in 2015, before recommencing in January 2016. Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane submitted the only binding offer, GEK Terna and Russian Railways submitted expression of interests but not formal offers.
On 14 July 2016, the privatisation agency accepted Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane's €45 million offer. The sale was completed on 14 September 2017. In 2019 Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane aquared ΕΕΣΣΤΥ As of December 2020, the Greek railway network consisted of of active line length, some sections of which, such as the Peloponnese metric network, are used only in tourist seasons. The approximate length of the active network in permanent operation reaches
On 5 September 2023, Storm Daniel triggered largescale flooding in Thessaly. The rail infrastructure was badly affected in the region, cutting off both Regional and Intercity routes as significant parts of the infrastructure were washed away. OSE engineers were on the ground in the worst affected areas Domokos, Doxaras, and Paleofarsalos to assess the extent of the damage, and prepare detailed reports, and seek financial assistance from the European Union.
of tracks was completely destroyed Repairing the extensive damage, was estimated at between 35 and 45 million euros. OSE managing director, Panagiotis Terezakis, spoke of reconstruction works reaching 50 million euros, confirming at the same time that there will be no rail traffic in the effected sections of the network for at least a month. The devastation goes beyond the tracks and signalling, affecting costly equipment such as the European Train Control System, which enhances rail safety. In November 2023, rail services resumed between Larissa and Rapsani after the devastating storm With Through services from Athens to Thessaloniki recommencing on 16 December 2023. However services between Larissa and Volos remain suspended across Thessaly’s coast until the track is repaired, with a rail-replacement bus in operation.
In December 2024 it was announced that ERGOSE would merge back into OSE bringing together the responsible for managing railway infrastructure projects with managing railway assets, maintenance of stations and bridges, as well as the leasing and sale of railway properties into a single operational structure.
In 2025, a deal was reached for Deutsche Bahn to assist in modernizing Greece’s railway system. Deutsche Bahn will support the operation and improvement of parts of the Greek rail network, contributing technical expertise, staff training, and operational guidance. The agreement follows Greece’s efforts to enhance railway safety and infrastructure after a major train accident in 2023 and is part of an initiative to strengthen public transport systems across member states. The cooperation includes the deployment of German railway specialists and engineers to Greece, where they will assist in improving rail services and operations.
In August 2025, the Greek Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport confirmed the creation of a new body, Greek Railways to assume responsibility for rail infrastructure, planning, modernisation projects, and rolling stock across Greece. Previously, these functions were divided among several state-owned entities: OSE, which managed infrastructure; ERGOSÉ, responsible for modernisation projects; and GAIAOSÉ, which owned stations, buildings, and rolling stock. OSE had overseen both infrastructure and operations until its vertical separation in 2005. Rail safety has been identified as a key priority. The merger follows the July approval of a Parliamentary Bill to restructure the national railway system, a direct response to the Tempi accident of February 2023, in which 43 people died after a head-on collision.
Branding
Early Years (1960s–1980s)
Initially, OSE's liveries were functional and utilitarian, with a new Logo to represent the new company. The first logo of the Hellenic Railways Organization, was established 1970, featured a distinct and simple design reflecting the organization's purpose and identity. The original logo depicted a winged wheel, symbolizing speed, mobility, and the connection between technology and transportation, a common motif in railway insignias worldwide. This design was framed in a circular layout, often accompanied by the acronym "OSE" in Greek letters or full name in some instances. The choice of the winged wheel highlighted the organization’s focus on modernizing Greece's railway infrastructure and enhancing its services. Most locomotives and rolling stock were painted in shades of green, reflecting a traditional European railway style. Steam Locomotives, where primarily black with white or silver detailing, consistent with global practices for visibility and maintenance ease.Modernization Era (1980s–1990s)
During this period, OSE adopted blue and white liveries, aligning with the national colours of Greece. Passenger carriages often featured a white base with blue stripes. Diesel locomotives such as the Alco models began sporting blue with white or yellow detailing, while some electric units showcased variations of red, yellow, and silver.2000s – Brand Consolidation
New OSE Logo and Branding of corporate logo was prominently displayed on rolling stock. The letters of the new logo incorporate interlocking and flowing curves, symbolizing connection and movement, which align with the concept of a railway network. The colours are a contrast to each other, with both the orange and the blue, making the logo visually dynamic and ensuring it stands out in various contexts. The designs became more streamlined, incorporating lighter blue and grey tones to reflect a modern image. High-speed Intercity trains were branded with more vibrant and passenger-focused liveries, including combinations of blue, white, and silver.Post-Privatization Influences (2010s–2020s)
With the privatization of the passenger operator TRENOSE, livery styles began to diversify. TRENOSE introduced its branding, emphasizing red, white, and silver, particularly on its modernized ETR 470 and other high-speed trains. The Freight locomotives continued with more subdued liveries, often red, blue, or gray. Under the management of Hellenic Train, OSE's infrastructure and rolling stock are gradually being updated. Liveries reflect modern corporate branding, often incorporating sleek designs and reflective of the Italian influence.Primary rail network
As in most European Union countries, the administration of the railway infrastructure is separate from the railway operating companies using the network to provide passenger and freight transportation services. Up until November 2010, company EDISY S.A. was the actual manager of the Greek national railway infrastructure until it became a subsidiary of OSE. Specifically, on 29 November 2010, EDISY S.A. was merged back into the parent company OSE S.A., which is today the manager of the rail infrastructure of Greece.The major lines of the Greek railway network consist of the mostly electrified standard gauge double-track line from Athens to northern Greece-Thessaloniki, a single-track electrified line from Thessaloniki to Idomeni and the mixed-gauge line from Athens to Peloponnese. Almost all other lines link directly with these two lines. The main line of the Greek Railway System from Athens to Thessaloniki covers a distance of.
According to the 2007 Network Statement, the total length of the standard gauge lines was approximately, while the length of the metre gauge lines is about. In addition, about of new standard gauge lines towards Athens Airport and to replace metre gauge lines became fully operational in July 2007.
The backbone of the Greek railway network is called P.A.Th.E./P., which stands for Patras–Athens–Thessaloniki–Idomeni/Promachonas.
Piraeus – Athens Central Station
Piraeus is served by two terminals. One at Piraeus Harbour, which up until 2006 was used by some standard gauge trains for Chalkis, Thessaloniki, and Alexandroupolis. The short line to Agios Ioannis Renti is closed and, as of 2009, is being renovated. The heavy rolling stock repair works are located at Lefka, next to Ergostasio halt, and are accessible from this line.The other Piraeus mainline station was used by the Peloponesse metric line trains until 2005, when it was converted to standard gauge, reopening in 2007 and today serving the Proastiakos rail service. The two lines from Piraeus meet just outside Agios Ioannis Renti marshalling yard. Next to the marshalling yard lies the major rolling stock depot and maintenance facility of OSE.
North of AIR, the line crosses Kifissos River and then passes through the freight and parcels handling station of Rouf. At a siding of Rouf station, there is a "railway theatre" in disused rolling stock and a disused SEK class Μα "2-10-2" steam locomotive made by Breda. The line between Rouf and Athens Central is single-track and non-electrified.
There is considerable traffic on this stretch as it serves the busy Proastiakos commuter rail service and regional rail service to Thessaloniki and Halkida ; as well as other destinations served by Athens.