High speed trains

Double-Decker Trains Could Soon Run Between London and Paris

Strategic Insights

May 15, 2025 — 1 min read

The possibility of double-decker trains running through the Channel Tunnel is being explored by several operators, including Eurostar and Virgin Group. Alstom, the world's second-largest train manufacturer, has confirmed it is in talks with operators regarding new rolling stock. The move would significantly increase capacity on the popular line between the UK and the continent.

Key Takeaways:

Alstom is in discussion with operators, including Eurostar, regarding new rolling stock, which could include double-decker trains.
Eurostar is considering double-deckers as a possibility, with a spokesperson stating they are currently in discussions with train manufacturers.
Virgin Group, led by Sir Richard Branson, is also contemplating double-deckers as it looks to challenge Eurostar's monopoly on cross-Channel services.
The high-speed line between London and Paris was built to European standards, making it feasible for double-decker trains to operate.
Any new trains would require formal approval, which could take several years, and would need to comply with strict safety legislation.
Alstom's double-decker Avelia Horizon would be able to run through the Channel Tunnel, offering a high-speed train with low cost per seat and high capacity.

Statistics:

Up to 200mph: the top speed of the proposed double-decker trains.
10+ years: the estimated time it may take for double-decker trains to be operational on the Channel Tunnel.
£billions: the potential investment required for the new fleet of trains.
100m+: the estimated number of passengers that could be transported on the Channel Tunnel with double-decker trains.

Sources:

"Alstom confirms talks with operators over new Channel Tunnel trains" - The Independent
"Eurostar considers running double-decker trains between London and Paris" - The Telegraph
"Virgin Group challenges Eurostar's monopoly with plans for new service" - The Independent
"Alstom's Avelia Horizon: the world's only high-speed double-decker train" - Alstom
"Sir Richard Branson: We are ready to launch passenger trains through the Channel Tunnel" - The Independent

The End of American Hypergrowth

For two centuries, the US economy grew by adding workers. That's over.

Healthcare's $5.3 Trillion Drag

How Medical Spending Became America's Biggest Productivity Tax

Breakthrough in Nanotechnology: Electromagnetic Shock Treatment Shows Promise

Researchers at the Wuhan University of Technology in China have made significant progress in the field of nanotechnology, specifically in the area of nanoindentation. A novel electromagnetic shock treatment (EST) method has been developed to enhance the microscale mechanical properties of a titanium alloy, with promising results obtained through array-based

Gut Microbiota Plays Crucial Role in Immunotherapy Success for Colon Cancer Patients

Research investigators at the Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University have made groundbreaking discoveries on the role of gut microbiota in determining the efficacy of immunotherapy for colon cancer patients. The study, which was recently published in Biochimica et Biophysica Acta, reveals that specific bacterial species and microbial metabolites

Read more

The End of American Hypergrowth

Healthcare's $5.3 Trillion Drag

Breakthrough in Nanotechnology: Electromagnetic Shock Treatment Shows Promise

Gut Microbiota Plays Crucial Role in Immunotherapy Success for Colon Cancer Patients