Eurostar Expands with £1.7 Billion Plan for New Routes

Eurostar is investing £1.7 billion to launch three new routes and add up to 50 trains, following a sharp rise in demand and strong financial results in 2024. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Passenger numbers exceeded 19.5 million last year, reflecting a 5% annual increase. Eurostar attributed this growth to the successful return of direct trains from London to Rotterdam and Amsterdam.

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Eurostar Expands Rail Network with New Direct Routes

Starting in the early 2030s, travelers will enjoy direct Eurostar service from London to Frankfurt. This German city is a major financial center and a growing tourist hub with rich culture and stunning architecture.

Another new route will connect London to Geneva, providing access to ski destinations like Villars, Gryon, and Les Diablerets. Trains will also run directly between Geneva and Amsterdam or Brussels.

Eurostar CEO Gwendoline Cazenave said travelers are seeking longer rail journeys. She confirmed that the new fleet will deliver sustainable and convenient connections between the UK, Germany, and Switzerland.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander welcomed the expansion as a milestone in Europe’s green transport strategy. She emphasized its role in strengthening the UK’s rail links and encouraging eco-friendly travel.

Meanwhile, Eurostar’s dominance at Temple Mills depot may face competition. The Office of Rail and Road found unused capacity at the London site, enabling other operators to access the cross-Channel route.

Eurostar Investment Spurs Competition and Innovation

Virgin Group expressed readiness to enter the market. It had previously been blocked due to alleged capacity limits at the depot, but now plans to launch its own Channel Tunnel rail service.

Alstom, a French train manufacturer, is also expanding. It signed a €850 million (£715 million) deal to supply 12 Avelia Horizon trains for Proxima and SNCF, aiming to cut fares and boost undersea rail capacity.

Alstom’s new trains still require regulatory approval to meet safety standards in the Channel Tunnel. If approved, they could intensify competition and enhance service across Europe.

Source: www.mirror.co.uk

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