Virgin cleared to challenge Eurostar on Channel Tunnel route

Virgin Trains has moved closer to being able to run rail services through the Channel Tunnel after the regulator approved its application to share a depot with Eurostar.

The decision by the Office of Rail and Road means Eurostar's monopoly on passenger services is set to be broken for the first time since the tunnel opened in 1994.

Temple Mills railway storehouse in east London is the only depot in the UK able to accommodate the larger trains used in continental Europe and which is already linked to the cross-Channel line.

Virgin aims to start running services from 2030. Eurostar said it was reviewing the decision and "considering our next steps to ensure we can continue to grow".