Virgin Group is advancing plans to introduce passenger train services through the Channel Tunnel, aiming to compete with Eurostar's longstanding monopoly. The UK's Office of Rail and Road (ORR) recently indicated that Eurostar's Temple Mills maintenance depot in northeast London has capacity to accommodate additional operators, removing a significant barrier for new entrants like Virgin.
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GLOVirgin Group is advancing plans to introduce passenger train services through the Channel Tunnel, aiming to compete with Eurostar’s longstanding monopoly. The UK’s Office of Rail and Road (ORR) recently indicated that Eurostar’s Temple Mills maintenance depot in northeast London has capacity to accommodate additional operators, removing a significant barrier for new entrants like Virgin.
A Virgin Group spokesperson expressed enthusiasm about this development, stating, “Finally, a green signal for competition. The Temple Mills depot is the only facility in the UK which can accommodate European-style trains, and claims suggesting it was at capacity have been blocking Virgin from coming to the line.”
Virgin is seeking £700 million in funding—comprising £300 million in equity and £400 million in debt—to finance this venture. The company plans to be a cornerstone equity investor, with the goal of launching services connecting London to Paris and Brussels by 2029, and potential future expansion to Amsterdam.
The ORR’s determination regarding the Temple Mills depot follows an independent report suggesting that, with operational adjustments, the facility could support additional trains. This finding is crucial for new operators aiming to compete in the cross-Channel rail market.
In addition to Virgin, other entities such as the Spanish-led Evolyn consortium and Gemini Trains, chaired by Lord Berkeley, have expressed interest in operating services through the Channel Tunnel. The ORR’s decision is anticipated to facilitate increased competition on these routes, potentially leading to more choices and better services for passengers.
While challenges remain, including securing compatible trains and negotiating access to station platforms, Virgin Group’s progress signifies a potential shift in cross-Channel rail services, promising enhanced options for travelers in the near future.
Source: GLO
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