Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Group is celebrating what it calls a “green signal for competition” after the UK rail regulator confirmed that there’s sufficient capability at Eurostar’s London upkeep depot to assist rival high-speed practice companies by means of the Channel Tunnel.
The Workplace of Rail and Street (ORR) introduced that the Temple Mills depot in northeast London — at the moment leased by Eurostar — can accommodate further European-style trains, following an impartial assessment commissioned in response to rising curiosity from new operators.
Virgin, which has been eyeing a launch of its personal cross-Channel practice service as early as 2029, welcomed the regulator’s findings, saying it clears one of many final main obstacles to coming into the market.
In a press release, Virgin Group stated:
“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 therefore very pleased with the outcome.”
The corporate added that “there are no more major hurdles to overcome” and hinted at an imminent announcement on subsequent steps.
Eurostar, which has held a monopoly on cross-Channel companies since 1994, had beforehand forged doubt on the feasibility of competitors, citing an absence of depot area. Nevertheless, the ORR concluded that, with operational and upkeep changes, and a few potential infrastructure adjustments, the depot might assist extra operators.
The breakthrough might unlock long-awaited competitors on one of many UK’s most profitable rail corridors. Virgin’s plans are being led by Phil Whittingham, the previous boss of Virgin Trains, and backed by a proposed £700 million funding. The group is looking for to benefit from shifting European attitudes in the direction of open-access rail and rising demand for sustainable alternate options to short-haul flights.
Different potential challengers to Eurostar embody Gemini Trains, chaired by transport trade veteran Lord Berkeley, and Evolyn, a Spanish-led consortium. Gemini welcomed the regulator’s assessment, which “demonstrated that there is capacity available for Gemini’s services, both inside the depot and for stabling outside”.
Trade insiders consider there’s adequate capability on the route between London St Pancras and continental Europe to assist at the least two new operators along with Eurostar. The rail trade has till April 28 to reply to the ORR’s session on the depot entry findings.
Whereas Eurostar stays dominant, the brand new ruling marks a major turning level in efforts to liberalise worldwide rail companies and inject extra selection and competitors for passengers.
With the technical and regulatory hurdles now largely addressed, Virgin and others are gearing as much as lastly problem a three-decade monopoly — and reshape the way forward for cross-Channel rail journey.
