Eurostar is urging the UK government to ¡°take a system-wide view¡± of international rail in order to support the sector¡¯s continued growth across Europe.

The high-speed rail operator said the UK can lead the next phase of European rail expansion, ¡°but only if infrastructure and regulation align¡±.

The statement follows a decision in June by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), which regulates the UK¡¯s railways, regarding future capacity at Eurostar¡¯s London train depot at Temple Mills International. The ORR, following an independent assessment, concluded TMI would be able to accommodate ¡°at most one new operator or for Eurostar to grow¡± ¨C not both.

The regulator is currently reviewing plans submitted by both Eurostar and rival operators "so it can decide on the best allocation of capacity", a decision that will be made by 31 October 2025.?

While prospective competitors welcomed the ORR¡¯s initial findings, published in April, Eurostar had previously encouraged the regulator to consider private investment in ¡°new depot facilities beyond Temple Mills¡±.

In its latest response, Eurostar reiterated its growth ambitions with plans to invest €2 billion in up to 50 new trains and expanded maintenance capacity, alongside a ¡°major¡± €80 million investment at TMI to support the rollout of its new e320 fleet.

The rail operator also recently announced plans to launch new routes from London to both Frankfurt and Geneva, as well as increase services on its existing London-Amsterdam route.

Eurostar general secretary and chief strategic partnerships officer, Gareth Williams said: ¡°Our plans are financed, already underway, and designed to deliver for the long term ¨C from introducing a brand-new fleet that will be maintained in the UK, to opening brand-new routes ¨C we know what it takes to deliver growth."

The rail operator stressed that limited capacity at TMI ¡°underlines the need for big-picture thinking¡± and, as demand for high-speed rail grows, ¡°the UK cannot afford to fall behind¡±. ?

¡°Industry and government must work together to encourage private investment in new depot facilities beyond TMI to facilitate the growth of the sector. This could include utilising other depots such as Southeastern and Hitachi¡¯s Ashford Train Maintenance Centre, freight facilities at Dollands Moor, Singlewell depot, Ripple Lane, HS1 chord and Fawkham Junction, and other land/sites in East London to build brand new facilities,¡± Eurostar said in a statement.

Williams added: ¡°The regulator, UK Government and private investors have a unique moment now to make bold decisions to unlock the huge potential of international rail and encourage more European links for tourism, trade and education.¡±?