Eurostar has announced a historic move to introduce double-decker high-speed trains through the Channel Tunnel, marking a significant milestone in cross-Channel rail travel. The company has confirmed a €2 billion (£1.74 billion) deal with manufacturer Alstom to acquire 30 ‘Celestia’ trains, with an option for 20 more. This expansion will increase Eurostar’s fleet size by nearly a third, with the first six trains expected to enter service by 2031. Each 200-meter-long train will offer enhanced capacity, with a combined 400-meter service accommodating approximately 1,080 seats. These will be the first double-decker high-speed trains to operate through the Channel Tunnel, a feat unmatched since a 1949 experimental double-decker train in the UK. Eurostar CEO Gwendoline Cazenave expressed pride in bringing this innovation to the UK, emphasizing ‘exceptional comfort’ for passengers. The company, which carried 19.5 million passengers last year, aims to grow this number to 30 million. The new trains will replace older models and increase services to London by 30%. Eurostar also plans to invest €80 million in upgrading the Temple Mills depot in London, the only UK facility capable of accommodating these larger trains. However, questions remain about the depot’s capacity to serve both Eurostar and potential rival operators, including Spanish start-up Evolyn, Virgin, and a Gemini Trains-Uber partnership. The Office of Rail and Road is currently reviewing proposals for depot access, with a decision expected soon. This development follows Eurostar’s June announcement of new routes to Geneva and Frankfurt, further solidifying its position as a leader in cross-Channel rail services.