Richard Branson fast-tracks a major rail expansion
- Paul Aage Hegvik
- Jan 14
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 27
Richard Branson and the Virgin Group are making a significant move to modernize train travel, with a major investment aimed at revolutionizing the rail industry.
Virgin Group has according to Euronews announced an acceleration in its train orders as part of a strategic move to compete with Eurostar in the high-speed rail sector. The decision underscores Virgin’s commitment to expanding its European rail services and capturing a larger market share in the face of increasing demand for sustainable travel alternatives.
Major high-speed rail routes
Virgin's European trains are expected to serve major high-speed rail routes, with a focus on linking key cities and competing directly with Eurostar. The routes are likely to connect high-demand corridors such as London, Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam. Virgin is accelerating its train orders to expand its presence in these markets, emphasizing sustainability and advanced passenger experiences.
Virgin Europe is moderately active in European train traffic, with its operations primarily focused on expanding its high-speed rail services. It has been involved in partnerships with established train manufacturers and infrastructure projects to compete with major players like Eurostar.
Commitment to modernizing rail travel
Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, has a longstanding commitment to investing in innovative transportation solutions, including rail services. Virgin Group have shown significant commitment to modernizing rail travel in the United States through their involvement in Virgin Trains USA (formerly Brightline).
This venture represents Branson's vision of making passenger rail travel faster, more efficient, and more attractive for modern travelers.
In a past statement, Branson highlighted his enthusiasm for revitalizing rail services in America:
«We believe that Virgin Trains will reinvent passenger rail in America, offering a customer-focused, tech-driven experience.»
We’ll be sure to add some more Virgin touches as we add some longer journeys to the service, with new food options and exciting entertainment to make the journeys even smoother and more enjoyable. Richard Branson virgin.com - 2019
Virgin Trains USA focuses on creating a seamless and enjoyable travel experience, with amenities such as high-speed internet, spacious seating, and sustainability-driven operations. The goal is to provide a compelling alternative to car and air travel for medium-distance routes, such as those connecting major cities in Florida and planned expansions to other U.S. regions.
Channel tunnel
Virgin Group is actively pursuing the expansion of its high-speed rail services through the Channel Tunnel, aiming to introduce competition to Eurostar's longstanding monopoly.
Railway Gazette International is writing that Phil Whittingham, Virgin's Project Lead, emphasized the company's commitment to this venture, stating the company are very excited about getting back into rail, and cross-Channel operations are a market we can disrupt and grow.
According to the Telegraph he further highlighted the strategic approach Virgin is taking to ensure the project's success:
–We don’t believe there is room for three operators on the route. We don’t think the economics would work for three operators competing.
Virgin plans to commence services through the Channel Tunnel by 2029, with the project requiring close to £1 billion in launch funding. The company is evaluating models from major train manufacturers, including Alstom, Siemens, Hitachi, and Talgo, with an anticipated order for a dozen high-speed trains valued at over £500 million.
