Virgin takes step towards running Channel Tunnel rail services

Virgin’s ambition to operate rail services between London and Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam has advanced after receiving route‑access approval from the UK regulator. The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has authorised Virgin to run up to 20 regular services through the Channel Tunnel, shifting the timeframe for the statement from 1 October 2030 to 31 December 2040. The regulator described the decision as “an important measurement forward” in introducing competition on a corridor where Eurostar has enjoyed a monopoly on passenger services since the tunnel opened in 1994. Nevertheless, the ORR noted that Virgin must still secure rolling stock for the services and obtain financial backing from UK and EU authorities. The ORR’s support applies only to the section from London St Pancras to the Channel Tunnel at Dover; Virgin will also need to obtain access to rail networks on mainland Europe. Martin Jones, the ORR’s deputy manager of access and international, said: “This is an important next step in bringing competition and growth to the market for international rail services.” He added: “While there is still much work to do, we are supporting Virgin and the wider industry to grow international services.” The ORR asserted that expanding competition on the route would deliver “significant benefits” for passengers. Italy’s FS Italiane Group is likewise exploring Channel Tunnel services through its subsidiary Trenitalia France. A Virgin Group spokesperson stated: “Our plans for a new London-Europe rail service from 2030 are moving at pace.” The spokesperson continued: “We welcomed the ORR's pre-approval of our route access statement and the opportunity to bring competition and Virgin's award-winning customer service to the Channel Tunnel.” Virgin intends to purchase 12 high‑speed trains from Alstom for deployment on the route. In response to the ORR’s announcement, Eurostar said it confirmed “the immense potential for growth in international rail and the ambition across the industry to bring more passengers to Europe by train.” Eurostar added: “Eurostar will play a full part in that growth, and our focus remains on delivering our own ambitious plans, investing in our fleet and carrying 30 million passengers a year.” Last year, Virgin’s bid to launch international services received a boost when the ORR approved its application to share a key rail depot with Eurostar. Temple Mills railway depot in east London remains the only UK facility capable of accommodating the larger trains used in continental Europe and is already linked to the cross‑Channel line.