Ferrovie dello Stato (FS), the Italian state railway group, unveiled its bold plan on Tuesday to challenge Eurostar’s decades-long monopoly on cross-Channel rail travel. The project, slated to launch by 2029, involves an investment of €1bn and is being executed in partnership with the Spanish firm Evolyn, led by the Cosmen family.
In a statement, FS Group CEO Stefano Antonio Donnarumma described the investment as a “decisive step forward” towards building a more integrated, competitive, and sustainable European rail network. He emphasized that high-speed rail remains the backbone of environmentally friendly mobility in Europe, and this project will not only expand infrastructure but also foster innovation across key corridors.
The new service intends to connect Paris and London via the Channel Tunnel, with prospects to extend routes through Lille, Ashford, Lyon, Marseille, and even Milan. FS highlighted that it has already secured the necessary licenses and permits in France and received the green light from the UK's Office of Rail and Road to use the Temple Mills depot. Moreover, work is underway to boost capacity at London’s St. Pancras station, positioning FS to leverage its established presence in both Italy and the UK.
This announcement follows recent bids by rival groups such as Virgin Group, which is also planning a similar cross-Channel service. Critics argue that increased competition in the high-speed rail market will drive down fares and enhance service quality for travellers, benefiting both consumers and the broader European economy.
With competition heating up, FS’s €1bn project represents a significant move to reshape intercontinental rail travel in Europe, ultimately challenging Eurostar’s entrenched dominance and setting the stage for a more dynamic and connected transport future.
