Eurostar is enhancing its incoming fleet of 'Celestia' trains to withstand extreme temperatures of up to 55 degrees Celsius, a significant upgrade driven by the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves across Europe.
The decision comes after recent summers have highlighted the vulnerability of transport networks to rising global temperatures. The new trains, scheduled to enter service in 2031 and operate for several decades, are being designed with a future in mind where current record-breaking heat may become the norm.
Originally, the 'Celestia' trains, ordered late last year, were designed to function in temperatures up to 45C. However, following recent intense heatwaves, particularly in France where Pissos recorded 44.3C in June, Eurostar opted to upgrade the air conditioning systems for up to 50 of these new double-decker trains.
“A decision has been taken to equip our new fleet of up to 50 Celestia trains with air conditioning capable of operating in temperatures up to 55 degrees,” a Eurostar spokesperson told the Daily Mail. “These trains will enter service in 2031 and run into the 2060s so it's essential to be prepared for the future.”
The trains are being built by the Alstom Group. Aside from the enhanced climate resilience, the 'Celestia' trains will largely align with the initial specifications. These double-deckers will be the first of their kind to operate through the Channel Tunnel and on the UK's rail network. Each train is expected to be 200 metres long, increasing seating capacity by 20% to accommodate a total of 540 passengers.
The new fleet will serve the five countries currently on Eurostar's route, as well as new destinations including Geneva and Frankfurt. Eurostar has initially ordered 30 of these trains, with an option to purchase an additional 20, as part of its strategy to boost passenger numbers to 30 million annually.
Eurostar has experienced disruptions due to heat previously. On June 25, four trains operating between London St Pancras and Paris Gare du Nord were cancelled due to the impact of hot weather on the network.
The announcement of the upgraded fleet coincides with a report revealing that Eurostar contributes approximately £2 billion (€2.34 billion) to the UK economy each year, a figure projected to grow with the expansion of international rail travel.
