For many decades after the independence of Greece, Tripoli remained isolated from the rest of the country. The surrounding mountains and the lack of good roads hindered the town’s growth. The decision by Prime Minister Charilaos Trikoupis to improve the country's railway network in 1888 created new opportunities for Tripoli. The railway arrived in 1892 and reduced travel time to Athens to a mere eight hours. The station was designed as a terminal and had a coaling station, a motive power depot with facilities for storing and refuelling rolling stock and carrying out minor repair jobs. Many railway employees resided in Tripoli. Today the station remains in good condition even though it is inactive.