Eurostar Unveils ‘Celestia’ Double-Decker Trains for 2031
Eurostar is set to revolutionize its international rail services with the introduction of new double-decker ‘Celestia’ trains, a significant step in its ambitious expansion strategy. These innovative trains, manufactured by Alstom Group, represent a substantial investment with an initial order for 30 units, plus an option for an additional 20. Each ‘Celestia’ train will be 200 meters long and accommodate approximately 540 passengers. When operating in their standard 400-meter formation through the Channel Tunnel, these services will boast around 1,080 seats, providing a remarkable 20% increase in capacity compared to Eurostar’s current fleet. This enhanced capacity is crucial for Eurostar’s goal of reaching 30 million passengers and supporting its planned expansion into new destinations like Germany and Switzerland.
A key benefit of the ‘Celestia’ fleet is its commitment to sustainability; the trains will be entirely electric and constructed using 25% recycled materials. The name ‘Celestia’ itself, chosen by Eurostar team members, is derived from the Latin word ‘caelestis,’ meaning ‘heavenly,’ reflecting a new era of travel. The first of these double-decker trains are anticipated to appear from January 2031, with commercial services commencing in May 2031. Eurostar’s existing fleet of 17 e320s will continue to operate, bringing the total fleet size to 67 trains, all of which will be maintained at the Temple Mills depot in Leyton.
While Eurostar CEO Gwendoline Cazenave highlights this as the first time double-decker trains are brought to the UK by Eurostar, it’s noted that London did see double-decker train operations historically with the SR Class 4DD, introduced in 1949 and retired in 1971. The ‘Celestia’ fleet signifies a forward-looking approach to international rail travel, offering greater capacity and environmental considerations without any explicit risks mentioned in the article.
(Source: https://londonist.com/london/transport/eurostar-double-decker-trains-celestia)
