Millions could be spent on new trains as Richard Branson’s Virgin Group make its bid to break Eurostar’s monopoly on services through the Channel Tunnel.
According to The Telegraph, the company run by the billionaire boss is planning on operating trains from the UK to the continent by 2029.
It comes as the anniversary of Eurostar not stopping in the county approaches its fifth year, having axed services from Ashford and Ebbsfleet stations in March 2020.
It is not known if or when Eurostar will return to Kent, but the firm has confirmed this will not happen this year, a move which continues to frustrates Kent passengers.
Virgin bosses remain relatively tight-lipped over the claims – reported in the Telegraph – and it is not known if the proposals would include reviving the fortunes of Kent’s two international stations.
Founded in 1984, the Crawley-based company is understood to be preparing an order for a dozen high-speed trains.
It is reported it wants to sign a contract for the trains as early as this quarter to get ahead of rivals Evolyn, which is also putting together similar plans to run trains along the route.
Virgin’s project lead, Phil Whittingham, told the national paper Virgin will choose between two suppliers it has shortlisted and is evaluating models from Alstom, Siemens, Hitachi and Talgo.
It is estimated the initial trains will cost more than £500 million.
Eurostar services began running from Waterloo International station in November 1994, before they began using Ashford International in early 1996. The company has always been the sole provider of foot passenger services across the Channel.
Virgin is in a race against Evolyn to secure trains for the route, with the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) set to decide if expanding the number of operators through the tunnel is doable.
Mr Whittingham told The Telegraph: “We don’t believe there is room for three operators on the route. We don’t think the economics would work for three operators competing.
“We’re hoping the regulator will determine what capacity is available and reserve it for a new competitor. And we expect the first person to come along with a contract for new trains will get that capacity.”
The announcement comes just days after the Prime Minister backed calls to reinstate international trains in Kent, saying he is “keen” to see the services return.
Sir Keir Starmer made the statement during last week’s Prime Minister’s Questions when Ashford MP Sojan Joseph (Lab) asked if he would support the return to “help economic growth” in the constituency.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Joseph asked: “The trading links between the UK and mainland Europe are of particular importance to my constituency of Ashford.
“So, would the Prime Minister support my effort, and those of other Kent colleagues, to restore international train services to Ashford International Station that will help economic growth in my constituency, Kent and the wider south east?”
Responding, Sir Keir said: “Businesses in this constituency have been badly let down by the deal of the last government.
“We of course are resetting and strengthening that relationship, on the economy, on energy, on security to deliver the growth we need.
“I know this is an issue of considerable frustration to his constituents.
“The decision in question is ultimately for Eurostar but we are keen to see international services reinstated to Ashford as soon as possible and I would be happy for the rail minister to update him on the latest discussions.”
