The railway system faces various challenges, and one of them involves OSE utilizing drones to address material theft issues, which pose significant problems for the railway’s operation. OSE recently decided to extend its contract with a drone provider beyond protecting materials to include safeguarding its property.

Reportedly, drones patrol seven areas under OSE’s responsibility, including key organizational sites and railway lines with telecommunications equipment, which are frequent targets of theft.

As CEO Panagiotis Terezakis mentioned on ypodomes.com, this service began under the previous administration in late 2021 through a tender process and continues. The contracted company operates drones at a height of 3,000 feet with special flight permits.

A notable aspect of these drones is their capability for nighttime visual monitoring, operated by specialized pilots, which aids OSE in combating theft and vandalism. OSE is considering expanding drone usage, especially in areas prone to theft.

The use of drones is not unique to Greece; it’s employed in other European networks facing similar challenges, resulting in reductions in theft. Major Greek companies like DEI and EYDAP also use drones for security purposes with similar success.

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In addition to drones, OSE has taken other measures like encasing cables in concrete and replacing cables with optical fiber equipped with a detection system to pinpoint any cutting. This enables immediate notification of incidents, leading to quicker restoration.

Incidents like cable theft significantly disrupt railway operations. Utilizing technology such as drones, cameras, and optical fibers appears to be a strategy aimed at improving services and protecting OSE’s property.