Eurostar 'closes deal' for 2 billion euros, about to operate first double-decker train across the English Channel

VTV.vn - Eurostar has just announced a historic plan: to put into operation the first double-decker high-speed train connecting the UK with Europe via the Channel Tunnel.

According to the Guardian, Eurostar has signed a €2bn (£1.7bn) deal with manufacturer Alstom to order at least 30, and possibly up to 50, new trains. These are expected to start rolling from 2031, each with a "huge" capacity of more than 1,000 passengers.

Named “Celestia”, they will be the first double-decker high-speed trains to run on British soil, with around 20% more seats than Eurostar’s largest existing train. Extra space will be provided for stairs, wheelchair and bicycle access, and wider seating. The upper deck, previously a smoking area, will now be a great spot for passengers to take in panoramic views of Kent, with tickets expected to cost the same as the lower deck.

The double-decker high-speed train can accommodate more than 1,000 passengers. Photo: Alstom.

Despite being famous for its double-decker buses, Britain has almost never operated a double-decker train. History records only one trial between 1949 and 1971. However, this type of train was soon abandoned due to slow boarding and alighting speeds, poor ventilation and low ceilings, making it difficult for passengers over 1.70m tall.

To address this technical challenge, the Celestia was designed with a lower deck, making the entire train just 16cm higher than the current model. This design is just enough to meet European technical standards for high-speed rail and tunnels. However, given its larger size than the rest of the UK rail network, it will almost certainly only operate on international routes.

Eurostar, owned by French national railway company SNCF, plans to service its entire fleet at Temple Mills depot in northeast London. It plans to invest a further 80 million euros to expand the facility, which is expected to create around 350 new jobs.

Eurostar CEO Gwendoline Cazenave said: "This order marks a step forward in our growth strategy towards 30 million passengers. We are particularly proud to bring double-decker trains to the UK for the first time. Customers will experience a different, comfortable and unique Celestia journey."

The new trains will serve the entire Eurostar network, including planned new destinations such as Frankfurt and Geneva. When the handover is complete, Eurostar will phase out the older trains, retaining just 17 of the newest e320s, increasing the fleet size by around 30%.

"When you look at the real demand, it's clear the UK needs to expand its international rail capacity. That's the sustainable way forward for the future between the UK and mainland Europe," Ms Cazenave said.

Source: https://vtv.vn/eurostar-chot-don-2-ty-euro-sap-van-hanh-tau-hai-tang-dau-tien-xuyen-eo-bien-manche-100251105161331336.htm