Another rail operator says it is exploring bringing Eurostar services back to Ashford International. Italy's state railway company Ferrovie dello Stato (FS) has revealed plans to launch a high-speed service connecting London and Paris by 2029.
In addition to the London-Paris link, FS says it is "studying further opportunities for expansion of high-speed rail in Europe. Evaluations are under-way for possible extensions of the London-Paris service to include Ashford and Lille, as well as Lyon, Marseilles and Milan."
International services from Ashford were halted at the start of the pandemic in 2020, with operator Eurostar maintaining trains will not stop at the station until 2026 at least.
Stefano Antonio Donnarumma, FS Group chief executive officer and general manager, said the company's plans would make it easier to travel across Europe. "High-speed rail networks are the backbone of efficient and environmentally friendly mobility, and by expanding our presence on key corridors, we are not just investing in infrastructure and innovation, but also in the future of European transport."
The announcement comes after the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) published an independent report into the use of the Temple Mills maintenance depot in London, which is currently restricted to Eurostar trains. Access to a suitable depot close to London for maintenance and storage has been cited by the rail industry as a critical requirement for more operators to take on the international route.
A spokesperson for the rail regulator said access access to the depot was needed before the service could expand. "Changes to operational and maintenance arrangements at the depot, as well as possible alterations to infrastructure, would be required to access extra capacity and allow more trains to be stabled/maintained there."
There are now thought to be six operators hoping to run passenger trains through the channel tunnel. Council leaders and local MPs have backed plans to bring services back to Ashford International, with the endorsement of the prime minister, Keir Starmer.
