The security certification process of the project is nearing completion
“One in 100,000 years is the chance of failure of the Thessaloniki metro system“, pointed out the CEO of the THEMA consortium, Carlo Bianco, with the Deputy Minister of Transport, Nico Tahiaoto note that there is no way the metro can operate without absolute safety safeguards in place. “Neither the construction consortium nor the operator would take such a risk,” he underlined.
These remarks regarding the safety of the Thessaloniki metro systems were made today during the unveiling event of the visual identity of the Thessaloniki metro, in the presence of the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Christos Staikouras and the managing director of Elliniko Metro SA, Nikos Kouretas.
It is recalled that the THEMA consortium, in which ATM participates and operates the metro of Milan (which closed 60 years of operation) and Copenhagen, has taken over the operation and maintenance of the Thessaloniki metro for the next 11 years.
“Everything was designed with maximum security,” said Mr. Bianco, pointing out that today there are 2,000 km of metro network that moves automatically. According to him, the design, construction and operation of the Thessaloniki metro were based on EU standards, the automatic door system is the top means of passenger protection that isolates the tunnels, the absence of human error has been ensured and the critical repetitive operations are fully automated. “We have zero fatalities in 40 years,” he pointed out, saying that Thessaloniki’s automated metro system maintains an impressive safety record.
Regarding the automated operation of the Thessaloniki metro, he said – among other things – that one of the most advanced CBTC (communication based train control) systems is used, while he emphasized that the odometer and signals on the front train send a signal 10 times every second with the location of the transmitted to the control center and emphasized that “in case of any error, the system brakes”.
The security certification process is at an end
Regarding the safety certification process by TUV, the Deputy Minister of Transport, Nikos Tachiaos, pointed out that it is nearing its end and noted that “today a large fire safety exercise was carried out in real conditions at Papafi Station, with the participation of the police, fire brigade and EKAB”.
Regarding the issue of certification, Mr. Bianco noted that an independent safety assessment body audits, inspects and monitors THEMA’s validation process during the familiarization and testing period and addresses the following: operational organizational structure, staff training, operational procedures and safety management. “Upon completion of the assessment process, the Independent Safety Assessment Body will issue a certificate confirming that THEMA can safely operate the Thessaloniki Metro”, said Mr. Bianco.
He concluded his installation, saying that “the smooth operation and safety of the passengers are our main priorities. Obtaining safety and operating licenses is an ongoing process that requires significant effort. We are moving steadily in the right direction, having successfully completed a number of audits and inspections to date.”
