FS Italiane Group has gone on to announce a plan to launch a new high-speed rail service that connects London and Paris by 2029. Having a planned investment of around €1 billion, the new link happens to be a part of the objectives of the 2025-2029 strategic plan, which goes on to place the high-speed Europe extension as a major project for the FS Group.
Recently a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed between the FS Group and Evolyn, which is a Spanish company led by the Cosmen family that has solid experience when it comes to the management and expansion of mobility projects so as to further make the high-speed rail leadership project in Europe robust.
According to Stefano Antonio Donnarumma, who happens to be the chief executive officer and general manager at the FS Group, this is indeed a major step forward that lines-up with the FS Groups vision of going ahead and building a more integrated, sustainable, competitive European rail link network, which is in sync with the objectives of the 2025–2029 strategic plan through placing a growing focus on passenger transport abroad so as to speed-up the international development of the group.
He adds that high-speed rail link is indeed the backbone of efficient as well as environmentally friendly mobility, and through expanding their presence in major corridors, they’re not just investing in innovation along with the infrastructure, but they are also investing in European transport’s future. More competition will enable the creation of a more customer-oriented and efficient sector, hence offering a real alternative when it comes to air travel.
At the end of the day, the idea is to increase the rail competitiveness between the cities of London and Paris, and his new link will be served with train sets which are Frecciarossa-inspired and also top of the range when it comes to energy efficiency and comfort.
This comes after the confirmation given by the UK Office of Rail and Road (ORR) when it comes to the possibility of accessing the Temple Mills maintenance depot, hence allowing the entry of a new operator between London and Paris.
The group will be able to offer its travelers a great range of products, a growing high-quality service, and also simplified ticketing, thereby taking advantage of an already well-known brand. Post obtaining the required licenses as well as permits in France, the FS Group is working with the main stakeholders in order to manage all the regulatory as well as operational perspectives. Technical evaluations are presently underway in order to ensure the rightful integration of the new high-speed services by way of the Euro Tunnel and railway network of France and the UK. Besides this, operational planning of more capacity at Saint Pancras station happens to be at an advanced stage, and more funding options are being evaluated. The official service that will be launched is going to be based on infrastructure work completion as well as technical authorization and thereby will mark the start of a new era of competition as well as accessibility when it comes to the European high-speed rail spectrum.
Apart from the London-Paris link, the FS Group is also studying the opportunities when it comes to the expansion of high-speed railways throughout Europe. Evaluations happen to be underway for certain possible extensions apart from the London-Paris service through Ashford, Lille, Marseilles, Lyon, and Milan.
