Virgin has taken a significant step toward launching passenger rail services through the Channel Tunnel, with the UK's Office of Rail and Road (ORR) granting the company approval for track access. The agreement allows Virgin to operate up to 20 daily return services between London and continental Europe, from October 1, 2030, to December 31, 2040.
This decision marks a move towards introducing competition on the route, which has been exclusively served by Eurostar since the tunnel's opening in 1994. The ORR stated that this approval is a "significant step forward" in bringing competition and growth to the international rail service market, potentially offering "significant benefits" for passengers.
Virgin plans to deploy 12 high-speed trains, manufactured by Alstom, for these services. The company has also previously received approval from the ORR to share a crucial rail depot, Temple Mills, with Eurostar. This London-based depot is the only facility in the UK equipped to handle the larger trains required for continental European routes and is already connected to the cross-channel line.
Despite this progress, Virgin still faces several hurdles before services can commence. The company must secure the necessary rolling stock and obtain safety approvals from both UK and European authorities. Furthermore, the current ORR approval only covers the rail track from London St Pancras to the Channel Tunnel entrance at Dover. Virgin will need to secure separate access agreements for rail networks within mainland Europe.
Italy's FS Italiane Group, through its subsidiary Trenitalia France, is also pursuing plans to operate services through the Channel Tunnel. The ORR has indicated its support for Virgin and the broader industry in efforts to expand international rail services.