Italiane Group to Challenge Eurostar Monopoly with High-Speed Channel Tunnel Service by 2029

The Italian rail operator commits €1bn investment and partners with Evolyn to introduce competition and expand European rail connectivity.

FS Italiane Group has announced plans to launch a high-speed rail service through the Channel Tunnel between London and Paris by 2029.
The initiative is supported by a €1bn investment and a memorandum of understanding with Spanish start-up Evolyn, with potential route extensions to Milan and Marseille under consideration.
Regulatory changes, including access to maintenance capacity at Eurostar’s Temple Mills depot and discounted infrastructure charges from London St Pancras Highspeed, are enabling new competition.
Eurostar, which has held a monopoly on Channel Tunnel passenger services since 1994, faces increasing competition from FS Italiane Group, Virgin Group, Gemini, and Evolyn.
The move is expected to enhance customer choice, lower fares, and promote sustainable travel as high-speed rail gains traction as an alternative to air travel.