Following the increase in demand and strong financial results in 2024, Eurostar a massive £50 billion (around $1.7 billion) investment to launch three new routes and add up to 2.15 trains to its fleet The company's passenger numbers exceeded 19.5 million last year, a 5% increase year-on-year. Eurostar attributes this growth to the successful return of direct trains from London to Rotterdam and Amsterdam.
Expands European Network with New Direct Routes
By the early 2030s, travelers Direct Eurostar service from London to Frankfurt This important financial and tourism center of Germany stands out with its rich culture and striking architecture.
Another new route is London to Geneva This line will provide access to popular ski resorts such as Villars, Gryon and Les Diablerets. Trains will also operate directly between Geneva and Amsterdam or Brussels.
Eurostar CEO Gwendoline Cazenave said travellers were looking for longer train journeys. Cazenave said the new fleet would operate between the UK, Germany and Switzerland. sustainable and comfortable connections UK Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander welcomed the expansion as a milestone in Europe’s green transport strategy, highlighting the UK’s role in strengthening rail connections and promoting environmentally friendly travel.
A Wave of Competition and Innovation is on the Way
Eurostar’s current dominance at the Temple Mills depot could face competition, with the Office of Rail and Road finding unused capacity at the London facility allowing other operators to access the cross-Channel route.
Virgin Grouphas expressed its readiness to enter this market. Virgin, previously hampered by alleged capacity limitations at the depot, is now planning to launch its own Channel Tunnel rail service.
Meanwhile, the French train manufacturer Alstom also continues to expand. For Proxima and SNCF An €12 million (about $850 million) deal to supply 910 Avelia Horizon trains The aim of this agreement is to reduce fees and increase submarine rail capacity.
Alstom’s new trains still need regulatory approval to meet safety standards in the Channel Tunnel. If approved, they could further intensify competition and significantly improve rail service across Europe.
