London’s St Pancras station owner has unveiled ambitious plans to more than double the passenger handling capacity of Britain’s sole international rail terminal, responding to surging demand for high-speed rail travel across Europe.
HS1’s chief executive, Robert Sinclair, revealed that recent studies indicate the station could increase its hourly international passenger capacity from 1,800 to nearly 5,000. The expansion strategy aims to capitalise on the growing appetite for European rail connectivity without requiring extensive structural modifications to the historic terminal.
The proposed enhancement programme would unfold in two distinct phases. The initial stage, projected for completion within three to four years, would boost hourly capacity to 2,400 passengers through operational improvements, including additional security lanes and increased staffing levels.
Long-term developments would involve a comprehensive redesign of the station’s international zone, featuring an expanded departure lounge and optimised security and immigration procedures. The innovative approach includes utilising trains as waiting areas to maximise available space within the terminal.
The expansion plans face certain hurdles, notably the requirement for French government cooperation to increase immigration officer staffing. Sinclair, drawing from his experience at London City Airport, emphasises the importance of streamlining the passenger experience, stating, “We want a ‘turn up and go’ arrangement. This is a train station, not an airport.”
The timing appears opportune, with multiple operators, including Virgin Group, exploring services to compete with incumbent Eurostar. HS1’s infrastructure currently operates at merely 50% capacity, presenting significant growth potential for cross-Channel rail services.
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