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South Wales Argus
29 minutes ago
- South Wales Argus
Channel Tunnel train services to be increased
It said it will allocate spare capacity at Eurostar's Temple Mills maintenance depot in north-east London to either one new operator or Eurostar itself, which has plans to grow. Eurostar holds a monopoly in running passenger services through the Channel Tunnel. Other organisations developing proposals to launch rival services include billionaire entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group, Italy's state-owned railway company FS Italiane Group, and Gemini Trains, which is chaired by Labour peer Lord Berkeley. Access to space at Temple Mills for maintaining and storing trains is a critical requirement for new operators or Eurostar to boost services. It is the only UK site able to support trains that can be used in the Channel Tunnel and on tracks in continental Europe. From London St Pancras, Eurostar serves Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam, as well as running seasonal ski trains to the French Alps. Getlink – the French owner of the Channel Tunnel – believes there is the potential for services between London and locations such as Bordeaux, Cologne, Frankfurt, Geneva, Marseille and Zurich. The ORR's deputy director for access and international, Martin Jones, said: 'The growing appetite to provide international rail services is great news for passengers. 'We now need operators to set out more detail on their proposals at pace, and will work quickly and as thoroughly as possible to determine the best use of capacity at Temple Mills.' We've written this morning to Eurostar and applicants seeking to run cross-channel train services to set out next steps for access to Temple Mills International depot. Access to depot capacity is crucial for providing more international services ⬇ — ORR (@railandroad) June 5, 2025 The ORR said it will consider several factors, such as how proposed new services will impact performance, the financial and operational 'readiness' of operators, and the 'economic and societal benefits'. It expects to reach a conclusion later this year. Initial findings from an independent assessment of Temple Mills commissioned by the regulator were published in March. The review found there is some capacity available for more trains without any changes to current practices, and more capacity could be created through further investment. The ORR said it has reviewed evidence submitted in response to this by stakeholders such as Eurostar, and concluded the assessment is 'an accurate reflection' and 'suggests there is room for at most one new operator, or for Eurostar to grow'. The regulator said it will be 'some time' until services from a new operator would be able to start even after access to Temple Mills is secured. That is because they would need to receive regulatory approval in France, access to the High Speed 1 line between London and the Channel Tunnel, and procure trains. A spokesperson for Eurostar said: 'We welcome the ORR's call for more information on future plans, and continue to encourage private investment in new depot facilities beyond Temple Mills, of which there are many options. 'Eurostar is already investing in the future with a new fleet of up to 50 trains, enhancing facilities at Temple Mills, and partnership work to expand capacity at stations, including London St Pancras International. 'It's clear a strategic, joined-up approach is needed to unlock the full potential of international rail for passengers and the UK economy.'
Glasgow Times
29 minutes ago
- Glasgow Times
Channel Tunnel train services to be increased
It said it will allocate spare capacity at Eurostar's Temple Mills maintenance depot in north-east London to either one new operator or Eurostar itself, which has plans to grow. Eurostar holds a monopoly in running passenger services through the Channel Tunnel. Other organisations developing proposals to launch rival services include billionaire entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group, Italy's state-owned railway company FS Italiane Group, and Gemini Trains, which is chaired by Labour peer Lord Berkeley. Access to space at Temple Mills for maintaining and storing trains is a critical requirement for new operators or Eurostar to boost services. It is the only UK site able to support trains that can be used in the Channel Tunnel and on tracks in continental Europe. From London St Pancras, Eurostar serves Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam, as well as running seasonal ski trains to the French Alps. Getlink – the French owner of the Channel Tunnel – believes there is the potential for services between London and locations such as Bordeaux, Cologne, Frankfurt, Geneva, Marseille and Zurich. The ORR's deputy director for access and international, Martin Jones, said: 'The growing appetite to provide international rail services is great news for passengers. 'We now need operators to set out more detail on their proposals at pace, and will work quickly and as thoroughly as possible to determine the best use of capacity at Temple Mills.' We've written this morning to Eurostar and applicants seeking to run cross-channel train services to set out next steps for access to Temple Mills International depot. Access to depot capacity is crucial for providing more international services ⬇ — ORR (@railandroad) June 5, 2025 The ORR said it will consider several factors, such as how proposed new services will impact performance, the financial and operational 'readiness' of operators, and the 'economic and societal benefits'. It expects to reach a conclusion later this year. Initial findings from an independent assessment of Temple Mills commissioned by the regulator were published in March. The review found there is some capacity available for more trains without any changes to current practices, and more capacity could be created through further investment. The ORR said it has reviewed evidence submitted in response to this by stakeholders such as Eurostar, and concluded the assessment is 'an accurate reflection' and 'suggests there is room for at most one new operator, or for Eurostar to grow'. The regulator said it will be 'some time' until services from a new operator would be able to start even after access to Temple Mills is secured. That is because they would need to receive regulatory approval in France, access to the High Speed 1 line between London and the Channel Tunnel, and procure trains. A spokesperson for Eurostar said: 'We welcome the ORR's call for more information on future plans, and continue to encourage private investment in new depot facilities beyond Temple Mills, of which there are many options. 'Eurostar is already investing in the future with a new fleet of up to 50 trains, enhancing facilities at Temple Mills, and partnership work to expand capacity at stations, including London St Pancras International. 'It's clear a strategic, joined-up approach is needed to unlock the full potential of international rail for passengers and the UK economy.'
Hans India
34 minutes ago
- Hans India
Thales launches InFlyt experience lab in Bengaluru
Bengaluru: Thales, a French multinational corporation specialising in aerospace, defence, and electronics, launched its new lab—claimed to be the first of its kind in India—on Wednesday. Large and Medium Industries Minister MB Patil officially inaugurated the company's facility, which is dedicated to InFlyt (inflight) Experience and Aviation Global Services. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said the new lab enables hundreds of local engineers to work on critical projects in avionics, air traffic management, connectivity, and flight management. Thales, which has already been contributing to India's defence electronics sector through its joint venture, BEL-Thales Systems in Bengaluru, has further deepened its presence in the city by inaugurating its second office, he noted. Over the past several years, Thales has built a strong and enduring presence in Karnataka. From defence and aerospace to its growing footprint in digital technologies, the company has closely collaborated with local industries, leading academic institutions, and the broader innovation ecosystem to enhance Karnataka's aerospace and defence landscape, he added. Minister Patil highlighted that Karnataka contributes an impressive 65% to the nation's aerospace and defence sector. He cited the launch of the TASL H125 helicopter assembly line in Bengaluru, the expansion of Indigo's MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) facility, and Safran's decision to establish an avionics unit in the city as recent examples of Karnataka's continued ascent in this domain. These initiatives, he said, not only generate skilled employment but also open up new opportunities for local entrepreneurs and service providers. He further pointed out that Karnataka boasts efficient engine manufacturing capabilities, pioneering start-ups, cutting-edge satellite imaging technology, and strong synergy between multinational giants and agile domestic enterprises. Reaffirming the government's commitment, the Minister assured that Karnataka would continue to offer a supportive policy environment that encourages investment in the aerospace and defence sector, promotes research and development, and nurtures engineering and scientific talent. The event was attended by French Consul General Marc Lamy and Olivier Flous, Senior Vice President at Thales.
