Stratford International to Get Funding for Cross-Channel Rail
Mayor Sadiq Khan secured budget funding to upgrade Stratford International station for international rail services, attracting interest from Virgin Group and Gemini Trains.
Stratford International train station in east London will receive funding in the upcoming budget to enable the launch of cross-Channel rail services. Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, lobbied the government for the upgrades, arguing that the redevelopment is a superior alternative to expanding Heathrow Airport.
The project is estimated to cost £20 million and involves opening mothballed sections of the station while adding security checks, border controls, and passenger facilities. Chancellor John Healey is reportedly planning to approve a business rate retention zone to help finance the redevelopment.
While Eurostar services currently pass through the station without stopping, other operators are eyeing the hub. Virgin Group plans to launch competing services to the continent by 2030 and is exploring Stratford as a stop. Gemini Trains has also expressed interest in using the station as its London hub for services to Germany, Belgium, and France, although the company currently lacks the necessary depot and track access.
