Italian state railway firm Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane Group (FS) has announced a plan to launch a new high-speed rail service connecting London and Paris by 2029, with a planned investment of €1 billion.
The plan is the latest potential challenge to Eurostar’s monopoly of train services through the Channel Tunnel.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the FS Group and Evolyn — a Spanish company led by the Cosmen family — to “further strengthen the European high-speed rail leadership project.”
Stefano Antonio Donnarumma, FS Group Chief Executive Officer and General Manager, 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”.
FS Group said: “The aim is to increase rail competitiveness between London and Paris, and the new link will be served with trainsets inspired by the Frecciarossa, Made in Italy top-of-the-range class, in terms of energy efficiency, comfort and service quality.
“The announcement comes after confirmation from the UK’s Office of Rail and Road (ORR) on the possibility for access to the Temple Mills maintenance depot, allowing the entry of a new operator between London and Paris.
“The consolidated presence of Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane both in France, with Trenitalia France, and in the United Kingdom, with Trenitalia UK, offers an important competitive advantage to enter this strategic corridor.
“As such, the Group will be able to offer travellers a greater range of products, an increasingly high-quality service and simplified ticketing, taking advantage of an already well-known brand.
“After obtaining the necessary licences and permits in France, FS Group is working with the main stakeholders to manage all regulatory and operational aspects.
“Technical assessments are currently under-way to ensure an optimal integration of the new high-speed services through the Eurotunnel and the railway networks of France and the UK. Moreover, operational planning of additional capacity at St. Pancras station is already at an advanced stage, while possible funding options are being evaluated.
“The official service launch will be based according to infrastructure works completion and technical authorisations, and will mark the beginning of a new era of competition and accessibility in the European high-speed rail landscape.”
In addition to the London-Paris link, FS Group is studying further opportunities for expansion of high-speed rail in Europe. Evaluations are underway for possible extensions of the London-Paris service via Lille, Ashford, Lyon, Marseilles and Milan.