The Hellenic Railways Organization (OSE) announced the suspension of the Diakofto-Kalavryta Cog Railway due to natural phenomena and landslides recently observed along the Diakofto-Kalavryta line.

“We announce the suspension of the Diakofto-Kalavryta Cog Railway (tourist route Diakofto-Kalavryta) until the prevailing conditions are re-evaluated and the necessary geological studies are conducted around Mount Helmos, in collaboration with the relevant local authorities,” OSE stated.

The railway infrastructure manager also noted that an investigative procedure regarding the potential hazards of this network has been ongoing since last year, with the findings still pending.

OSE Statement

Recently, certain sections of the tourist route on the Diakofto-Kalavryta Cog Railway have experienced intense natural phenomena, leading to landslides of large and dangerous rocks onto the tracks from the surrounding forested areas of Mount Helmos.

Additionally, following actions and reports from local authorities last year, an investigative procedure was initiated concerning the potential hazards of this network, the results of which remain awaited.

As the Infrastructure Manager, OSE has already implemented enhanced measures to continuously monitor natural phenomena along the Cog Railway and maintain the infrastructure in safe and suitable condition within its authority:

1. Inspection and clearing of the infrastructure using auxiliary maintenance vehicles before each scheduled journey during days of heavy rainfall, to remove debris.
2. Presence of a technician/engineer on every run to provide immediate assistance in case of any technical issues affecting the infrastructure during operations.
3. Installation of seismographic and meteorological stations for continuous monitoring of natural phenomena in the area.

However, the observed intensity of extreme natural phenomena and the increasing number of large rock landslides affecting parts of the Diakofto-Kalavryta tourist route necessitate a re-evaluation of the railway’s operational conditions.

As a result, we announce the suspension of the Diakofto-Kalavryta Cog Railway (tourist route Diakofto-Kalavryta) until the prevailing conditions are re-evaluated and the necessary geological studies are conducted around Mount Helmos, in cooperation with the relevant local authorities.