Greece upgrades key border crossings at Evzones and Bahçeköy in major infrastructure push

Greece is moving forward with major upgrades to two of its most strategic land border crossings, aiming to enhance connectivity with the Balkans and Türkiye while improving traffic flow, security and logistics efficiency.

The Evzones Border Station in northern Greece and the Kipoi Border Crossing in Meriç are set to be transformed into modern, high-capacity border hubs under multi-million-euro infrastructure projects.

Evzones Border Station: Strategic Gateway to the Balkans

The upgrade of the Evzones crossing, located in the Kilkis regional unit, has been launched through an open tender process announced by the Decentralized Administration of Macedonia–Thrace.

The project carries an estimated value of €19.07 million (excluding VAT), totaling €23.65 million with VAT included. Completion is scheduled within 22 months.

Direct Connection to European Route E75

The intervention focuses primarily on improving road infrastructure and strengthening the functional link between the border station and European route E75, one of Europe’s main transnational corridors.

E75 stretches from Vardø, Norway, on the Barents Sea, running south through Finland, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia and North Macedonia before reaching Thessaloniki and ending in Athens. Enhancing the Evzones–E75 connection reinforces the crossing’s role as a primary entry point from the Balkans into southern Europe.

New Access Road and Green Lane

Plans include:

• Construction of a new two-lane access road
• An additional dedicated lane for heavy vehicles
• Direct connections to E75 at both ends
• A priority “green line” lane for fast-track crossings

The upgrades are expected to significantly reduce congestion and waiting times while streamlining commercial and passenger traffic.

Kipi Border Crossing: Modernization at the Greek–Turkish Frontier

Further east, the Kipi Border Crossing in Meriç is undergoing a €13 million modernization program.

The project includes:

• Expansion and upgrading of existing infrastructure
• Construction of new traffic lanes to ease congestion
• Development of additional inspection service facilities
• Installation of advanced lighting, security and energy-efficiency systems
• Architectural and functional improvements to enhance the site’s overall operation

The works are being implemented by the Decentralized Administration of Macedonia–Thrace, funded by the Ministry of Interior, with project maturation overseen by the Hellenic Corporation of Assets and Participations (HCAP). The total implementation period is set at 14 months, including three months dedicated to necessary studies.

Traffic Surge Drives Investment

The timing of the Kipoi upgrade is considered critical, as border traffic has surged significantly in recent years.

According to customs data:

Passenger entries in 2024 increased by 18.7% compared to 2023

Passenger exits rose by 20.3% year-on-year

Overall crossings grew by more than 18%

These figures confirm the station’s growing importance as a vital corridor for both travelers and trade between Greece, Türkiye and Southeast Europe.

The dual upgrade projects signal a broader strategic effort by Greek authorities to strengthen cross-border mobility, modernize transport infrastructure and support regional economic integration.