New high speed challenger to Eurostar emerges

An Italian rail firm has emerged as a new contender to rival Eurostar’s high speed Channel Tunnel service to the Continent  

 

FS Italiane Group has been operating in France since 2021 and has a presence in the UK through the c2c and Avanti West Coast rail services.

 

The company says it is committing €1 billion in support of its goal of building a more integrated European rail network. 

 

A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed with Spanish mobility company Evolyn to support the initiative.

 

Evolyn, part of the Spanish Cosmen family, the largest shareholders in the National Express group Mobico, is one of a trio of firms aiming to challenge Eurostar, including Virgin Group and start-up Gemini Trains.

 

FS Italiane Group said it aims to enhance rail competitiveness on the Paris-London route by 2029, “providing an alternative to air travel while contributing to a more environmentally friendly, customer-centric mobility sector”.

 

The project has gained momentum following confirmation from the UK Office of Rail and Road for access to the Temple Mills train maintenance depot in north London, a key requirement for operating through the Channel Tunnel.

 

The development came ahead of a new forecast which projected a tripling in demand for international rail travel on the UK’s only high-speed line over the next 15 years, increasing from 11 million to 35 million passengers a year. 

 

The study, commissioned by London St Pancras Highspeed and conducted by infrastructure consultancy Steer, suggests that expected growth and competition on the line to the Channel Tunnel could lead to fare cuts of up to 30%.

 

Modelling also indicates that up to 18 additional daily services could run on existing routes, while demand could support the launch of trains to as many as five new destinations across western Europe.

 

The report comes after London St Pancras Highspeed revealed a package of financial incentives last week to encourage new and existing operators to increase services on the line, which is currently operating at 50% capacity.

 

There are also plans to more than double international passenger capacity at St Pancras station to nearly 5,000 passengers an hour to accommodate the expected growth in the next decade and beyond.

 

FS Italiane Group said: “With permits already in place in France and ongoing work with key stakeholders to meet regulatory requirements, the group is also planning for additional capacity at London St Pancras station and exploring funding options to support the project.”

 

Chief executive and general manager Stefano Antonio Donnarumma said: "This investment is a decisive step forward in FS Group’s vision of building a more integrated, competitive and sustainable European rail network, in line with the objectives of the 2025-2029 strategic plan, which places an increasing focus on passenger transport abroad to accelerate FS Group’s international development.

 

“High-speed rail networks are the backbone of efficient and environmentally friendly mobility, and by expanding our presence on key corridors, we are not just investing in infrastructure and innovation, but also in the future of European transport. 

 

“More competition will help to create a more efficient and customer-oriented industry, offering a real alternative to air travel.”