Virgin Trains’ London-Europe Rail Expansion: ORR Approval & Alstom Trains

Introduction

Virgin Trains has received approval from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) for access to the Temple Mills International depot in East London. This decision clears a key hurdle in the company’s plans to launch cross-border train services, potentially linking London St Pancras International with Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam by 2030.

Regulatory Approval

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) approved Virgin Trains’ application for access to the Temple Mills International depot in East London on Thursday 30 October. This decision is a crucial step towards launching new cross-border train services through the Channel Tunnel.

Impact and Investment

The ORR’s approval is expected to unlock around £700 million of private investment and create 400 new jobs. The move is viewed as a boost for passengers, competition, and economic growth. The decision allows Virgin Trains access to light maintenance facilities needed for international routes.

Other Applications and Future Plans

The ORR’s decision also rejected applications from Evolyn, Gemini, and Trenitalia. The regulator considered the financial, operational, and investor backing of each proposal, as well as Eurostar’s future growth plans, concluding that Virgin Trains’ submission was the strongest. Virgin Trains plans to connect London St Pancras International with Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam by 2030, with the potential to expand further into Europe.

Next Steps

Virgin Trains must now reach a commercial agreement with Eurostar, which operates the Temple Mills depot. They must also secure finance, track and station access, and safety approvals from the ORR and relevant EU authorities before commencing operations. Virgin Trains plans to order 12 new Avelia Stream units from Alstom for the new services.

Conclusion

The ORR has approved Virgin Trains’ access to the Temple Mills depot. This approval supports Virgin Trains’ plans to launch cross-border train services, with the potential to connect London with various European cities. Virgin Trains will still need to complete several steps, including commercial agreements and securing approvals, before the services can launch.

Virgin Trains

Virgin Trains secured approval from the rail regulator for Temple Mills depot access, unlocking plans for cross-Channel services linking London with Europe. Virgin Trains plans to connect London St Pancras International with Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam by 2030, with the potential to expand further across Europe. Virgin Trains will order 12 new Avelia Stream units from Alstom for the new services.

Office of Rail and Road (ORR)

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has approved Virgin Trains’ application for access to the Temple Mills International depot in East London on Thursday 30 October. The ORR’s approval is expected to unlock around £700 million of private investment and create 400 new jobs.

Eurostar

Eurostar operates the Temple Mills depot. Virgin Trains must reach a commercial agreement with Eurostar before commencing operations.

Alstom

Alstom is the manufacturer of Virgin Trains’ earlier Pendolino trains. Virgin Trains plans to order 12 new Avelia Stream units from Alstom for its new cross-border services.