Why Eurostar’s €2bn double-decker fleet improve poses new challenges for UK upkeep hubs
A travel expert has warned Eurostar‘s €2billion fleet upgrade poses new challenges for UK hubs due to the new trains’ size, design and technical complexity.
It comes after the high-speed rail company recently announced plans to introduce double-decker trains for use across its entire network, including the UK.
In October, Eurostar said it will order up to 50 two-storey trains for its London St Pancras routes to Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam through the Channel Tunnel.
The €2billion (£1.7billion) investment is part of a growth strategy to increase passenger capacity and will mark the first time a double-decker train fleet operates in the UK.
The fully electric fleet will be named Eurostar Celestia, which is derived from the Latin word caelestis, meaning ‘heavenly’.
However, David Martin, Managing Director at tooling and maintenance equipment supplier, Heamar, has warned the process may not be smooth sailing.
Currently, Temple Mills in east London is the only British depot equipped to service Eurostar’s high-speed trains.
With the arrival of larger, more technically advanced double-decker units, Martin says the facility will face higher demands in areas such as lifting systems, inspection bays, and specialist tooling.
Eurostar has reached a £1.7billion agreement for Alstom to build the trains in factories in France
However, David Martin, Managing Director at tooling and maintenance equipment supplier, Heamar, has warned the process may not be smooth sailing
Plans are already in place for Eurostar to invest around €80million (£69million) in expanding and upgrading Temple Mills, but, according to Martin, this must be matched by technician training and the right maintenance equipment.
He said: ‘Modern high-speed trains, particularly double-decker models, require a completely different maintenance toolkit compared to older rolling stock.
‘From high-voltage diagnostics to precision torque applications, technicians must be trained to use insulated, calibrated and compliant tools that not only help them work efficiently but also ensure safety and meet strict European rail standards.’
He added: ‘Comprehensive tooling training ensures technicians understand not just how to use equipment, but why specific torque levels, materials used for connectors and calibration matter.
‘This new investment will also create new jobs, meaning many technicians will be entering depot environments where they may be unfamiliar with the tools required.’
According to the expert, the key to keeping services reliable is to ensure technicians are properly trained to use specialist tools and they understand the reasons behind strict maintenance procedures.
Martin also noted that delays in rail infrastructure upgrades are common, but problems caused by inadequate tooling or training are avoidable.
He stressed that investment in both equipment and people will be vital to prevent maintenance issues or service disruptions once the new trains enter service.
Currently, Temple Mills in east London is the only British depot equipped to service Eurostar’s high-speed trains
Martin concluded: ‘Ultimately, the success of this rollout won’t just be measured by capacity or comfort, but by how effectively the new fleet can be maintained, serviced and kept safely in motion.’
Meanwhile, Virgin’s plans for a service to rival Eurostar has been approved and its launch date revealed.
The British company intends to bring in an international train service through the Channel Tunnel.
Earlier this year, the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) revealed it would allocate spare capacity at Eurostar’s Temple Mills maintenance depot in Leyton, East London.
