Richard Branson

Virgin's Channel Tunnel Coup: Branson's Bold Bet on Cross-Border Rail


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Richard Branson BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.

Richard Branson has been making headlines this week as Virgin Trains received official approval to launch international passenger services through the Channel Tunnel ending Eurostar’s three-decade monopoly on cross-Channel rail travel. The Office of Rail and Road confirmed Virgin’s access to the Temple Mills depot in east London a critical maintenance site for trains using the High Speed 1 line connecting London to the Channel Tunnel. This green light enables Branson’s company to move forward with plans to begin operations by 2030. Virgin’s bid was selected over three other contenders including Italy’s Trenitalia Spain’s Evolyn and start-up Gemini after regulators determined it was the most financially viable. Branson hailed the decision calling it the right move for consumers and promising to bring Virgin’s signature flair to the route. He said on social media that Virgin has always believed in healthy competition and is ready to shake up the cross-Channel market. Virgin has ordered 12 new trains from Alstom and plans to run services from London St Pancras to Paris Brussels and Amsterdam with future ambitions to expand deeper into France Germany and Switzerland. The move could also see international services return to Ashford and Ebbsfleet International stations in Kent which have been closed since the pandemic. Rail minister Lord Peter Hendy welcomed the ruling calling it a significant step toward growth and a more competitive international rail market.

Beyond rail Branson appeared as a celebrity judge at Start-up Day at the British Library where he joined HelpBnk’s Doorbell of Dreams panel offering feedback to aspiring entrepreneurs. The event featured a lineup of top speakers and Branson’s presence drew considerable attention as he shared insights on business building and innovation.

There have been no major unconfirmed reports or rumors surrounding Branson this week. All developments are based on official statements and reputable news outlets. The Channel Tunnel rail venture stands out as the most significant biographical event given its potential to reshape European rail travel and mark Branson’s latest major disruption in transportation.

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Richard BransonBy Inception Point Ai