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Virgin Trains has received approval from the Office of Rail and Road to access the Temple Mills depot, paving the way for a battle to break Eurostar\u2019s 30-year hold on cross-Channel rail services, with operations targeted for 2030.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Virgin Trains has secured a major breakthrough in its ambition to compete with Eurostar on passenger services through the Channel Tunnel. The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has granted Virgin Trains access to the critical Temple Mills depot in east London, used for maintaining and storing trains. This approval was decisive in the company’s ability to plan the launch of rival Channel Tunnel services, ending Eurostar’s 30-year monopoly on this international rail route.<\/p>\n
Virgin Trains, under the leadership of Sir Richard Branson, aims to commence operations by 2030. The company plans to operate services from London St Pancras to the same key Continental cities currently served by Eurostar\u2014Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam\u2014with ambitions to expand further into France, Germany, and Switzerland. The company has emphasised its commitment to providing consumers with more choice and shaking up cross-Channel rail travel.<\/p>\n
The ORR\u2019s decision followed a competitive application process, in which Virgin Trains’ proposal was judged more financially and operationally robust than those of rivals including Evolyn, Gemini Trains, Trenitalia, and even Eurostar itself, which sought access to Temple Mills for growth. The regulator highlighted Virgin\u2019s clear evidence of investor backing and agreements in principle to secure the necessary new rolling stock, notably a deal with manufacturer Alstom to purchase 12 Avelia Stream trains.<\/p>\n
Speaking about the ORR\u2019s decision, Sir Richard Branson described it as the \u201cright one for consumers,\u201d signalling the end of three decades of monopoly and the introduction of \u201cVirgin magic\u201d to the cross-Channel route. He expressed confidence in replicating Virgin\u2019s track record of challenging incumbents across transport sectors, including air and rail. The news was enthusiastically shared by Branson via Instagram, where he celebrated the opportunity to bring competition and adventure to Channel Tunnel rail services.<\/p>\n
Industry and government officials also welcomed the move. Martin Jones, ORR\u2019s deputy director for access and international, called the approval a boost for customer choice and international rail competition, potentially unlocking up to \u00a3700 million in private sector investment. Rail minister Lord Hendy described the development as \u201cincredibly pleasing,\u201d highlighting the benefits of greater passenger choice, better value, and improved connectivity. He also noted the government’s plans to explore new depot capacity in the UK, supported by private investment, to meet future market demand.<\/p>\n
Virgin Trains is also engaging with Kent County Council and other local stakeholders about potentially reopening international bases at Ebbsfleet International and Ashford International stations, both currently unused since Eurostar withdrew services during the Covid-19 pandemic. This could further enhance connectivity in the region if realised.<\/p>\n
The Channel Tunnel itself operates at around 50% passenger capacity, despite also accommodating vehicle-carrying Le Shuttle trains between Folkestone and Calais. Virgin’s entry promises to revitalise underutilised infrastructure and provide consumers with real alternatives on this key international route.<\/p>\n
While the company still needs to secure additional regulatory approvals, covering aspects such as track access and safety, the ORR\u2019s decision marks a pivotal step. It signals a forthcoming shake-up in the European international rail market, with potential benefits for travellers in terms of choice, service standards, and pricing.<\/p>\n