An intensive upgrade of the Athens-Piraeus urban electric railway (ISAP) is due for completion next February, Transport Minister Evripidis Stylianidis said yesterday while an ISAP spokesman revealed that Thiseion station, closed since January, is to open in the next 10 days.

The purpose of the revamp, involving the replacement of tracks and the installation of an electronic system to coordinate traffic on the lines, is to increase the efficiency of the network, Stylianidis said. The overhaul, budgeted at 110 million euros, will also include the reinforcement of the tunnel linking the Omonia and Monastiraki stations. From tomorrow at 5 p.m. until the end of the service on Saturday, trains will run between Piraeus and Tavros and between Omonia and Kifissia. On Sunday, trains will run between Piraeus and Tavros and between Nea Ionia and Kifissia. A replacement bus service will be available for passengers.