New Eurostar competitor plans to restore trains from Ashford to Europe.

Restoration of routes from Ashford to Europe

According to The Sun: The British railway station Ashford, which lost direct routes to Europe during the pandemic, may soon receive them again. Eurostar's competitor, the Italian company Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane (FS), announced plans to restore railway routes from Ashford.

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The Italian operator announced plans for a 1 billion pound investment in the British economy, including the restoration of the station in Kent.

According to Times data, an 'Innovation Hub' is planned to be created in Ashford by early 2026. The first trains to Europe could depart in 2029 from London to Paris, with a stop in Ashford.

Support from the state

Transport Minister Lord Peter Hendy expressed support for the return of European connections for Ashford.

“I firmly believe that competition provides the best prospects for returning international services to Kent stations,” he noted earlier this year.

Eurostar canceled all routes from Ashford in 2020, as well as stops at Ebbsfleet station. Despite a campaign with over 75,000 signatures for the return of trains, Eurostar has yet to confirm their restoration.

PA

Latest restoration plans

However, other operators are also preparing for competition. Virgin plans to launch trains from the UK to Europe by 2030, including routes to Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam. The company Gemini Trains intends to launch trains from London and Ebbsfleet to Paris and Brussels by 2029.

The company Evolyn plans to launch its routes to Paris as early as next year. Eurostar is also looking to expand, adding new potential destinations in Europe, including Marseille and Bordeaux in France, as well as potential stops in Germany and Switzerland.

PA The restoration of railway routes from Ashford to Europe could significantly improve the transport infrastructure in the region. This will be an important step towards re-establishing connections between the UK and European countries. Development plans initiated by both the Italian company and local transport operators indicate a desire to enhance competition and improve passenger service.