Lefteris Avgenakis, ND MP for Heraklion, requested clear information on the progress of the studies for the Southern Crete Road Axis (NOAK), as well as the immediate advancement of critical sections of the project.

With a question addressed to the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Christos Dimas, Avgenakis highlighted the “blind,” as he describes them, sections Praitoria – Arkalochori junction and Viannos – Ierapetra – Arkalochori junction. In his question, he calls for the immediate assignment of studies so that they can be included as accompanying projects to the new International Airport in Kastelli. As he notes, the completion of these sections is crucial for the full connection of southern Crete with the new airport and the island’s main infrastructure.

At the same time, the MP requests detailed information on the progress and timeline of the studies already underway, particularly for the sections Kastelli – Stoli and Stoli – Praitoria.

Mr. Avgenakis, in his statement, directly disagrees with the recent position of Deputy Minister of Infrastructure Nikos Tachiaos, who said that the promotion of NOAK is considered secondary compared to other major projects, such as the Northern Road Axis of Crete (VOAK) and the Kastelli airport. As he states, “southern Crete cannot be left outside the overall infrastructure planning.”

The implementation of NOAK, he notes, is directly linked to improving road safety, enhancing accessibility, and supporting the local economy in areas with strong agricultural and tourism activity.

In this context, he calls on the minister to provide answers regarding both the progress of existing studies and his intention to proceed with the necessary new assignments, so that the opportunity for the comprehensive development of southern Crete’s road network is not lost.