FS Italiane Group announces a plan to launch a new high-speed rail service connecting London and Paris by 2029.
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With a planned investment of EUR 1 billion, the new link is part of the objectives of the 2025-2029 Strategic Plan, which places the extension of high-speed connections in Europe among the FS Group's priorities.
In recent days, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the FS Group and Evolyn - a Spanish company, led by Cosmen family, with solid experience in the management and expansion of mobility projects - to further strengthen the European high-speed rail leadership project.
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 under-way for possible extensions of the London-Paris service via Lille, Ashford, Lyon, Marseilles and Milan. ■