Virgin Group is on the verge of launching a cross-Channel train service to rival Eurostar, following a significant ruling by UK regulators on March 31, 2025.

In response to the ORR report, Eurostar claimed that its depot is nearly at capacity and would need investment to meet the growing demands of international rail travel.

Other companies, including Gemini Trains and Spanish startup Evolyn, are also exploring opportunities to operate services through the Channel tunnel.

Virgin previously held the Virgin Trains franchise in the UK from 1997 to 2019, while Eurostar has maintained its monopoly on cross-Channel services for nearly 31 years.

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has determined that Eurostar's London maintenance depot, Temple Mills, can accommodate other operators, which removes a critical barrier for Virgin.

This decision was influenced by an independent report indicating that operational changes and infrastructure adjustments could allow Eurostar's depot to handle more trains.

The ability to access a suitable maintenance depot is essential for Virgin to effectively compete with Eurostar, which has monopolized Channel tunnel passenger services since 1994.

Temple Mills is currently the only facility in the UK equipped to service European-style trains, and previous claims of its full capacity had stalled Virgin's progress.

To support its new high-speed train service, Virgin plans to raise £700 million, targeting a 2029 launch for routes connecting London with Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam.

A spokesperson for Virgin expressed satisfaction with the ORR's ruling, stating it paves the way for competition, and an announcement regarding their services is anticipated soon.

Richard Branson's Virgin Group has indicated that there are no major hurdles remaining for the launch of cross-Channel train services following the regulator's decision.

In 2024, Eurostar recorded a record-high of 19.5 million passengers, a nearly five percent increase from the previous year, largely due to the influx of visitors for the Paris Olympics and Paralympics.