The Hellenic State Railways (SEK) formed the backbone of Greece’s railway network for more than five decades. Established in 1920, their mission was to unify and efficiently manage the country’s principal railway lines, playing a vital role in the development of transportation, trade, and communication across Greece.
For over fifty years, SEK served millions of passengers and transported vast quantities of freight, while its iconic steam locomotives, historic railway stations, and rolling stock became enduring symbols of Greece’s industrial and cultural heritage.
In 1971, SEK was succeeded by the Hellenic Railways Organisation (OSE), which assumed responsibility for operating and developing the national railway network. Today, the legacy of SEK remains an important chapter in the history of Greek railways, continuing to inspire railway enthusiasts, historians, and preservation societies around the world.
