Brexit: EU Railway operations directives for Channel Tunnel: EU Commission issues operational contingency measures post-Brexit

EU's high speed trains will continue going to Britain after Brexit

The European Commission has extended a safety certification on the rail tunnel that links the UK and France for three months after the March 29 Brexit deadline.

This will allow for the heavily travelled tunnel route to continue operating normally between the two sides and “to allow for long-term solutions that are in line with EU law to be put in place,” once Brexit becomes official, according to the Commission, which added, “It is essential that the concerned undertakings and national authorities continue to take all necessary measures to comply with EU rules on train driver licences, market access, as well as safety certificates and authorisations required to operate in the EU,” adds the statement by the EU executive.

With no real progress in negotiations over the UK’s withdrawal process, the European Commission is continuing with its contingency plans by planning for a no-deal Brexit. The latest addition to the package of hard Brexit backup measures includes maintaining rail transport and connectivity between the EU and the UK under the same conditions that applied while Britain was a member of the bloc.

The 50.45-kilometre-long Channel Tunnel or ‘Chunnel’ links Folkestone, Kent on the south coast of England with Coquelles, Pas-de-Calais in northern France.

Read more at: Commission issues operational contingency measures for Channel Tunnel rail links post-Brexit

A look at Europe's high-speed train network

High-Speed train terminal in Berlin

High-speed rail is a type of passenger rail transport that operates significantly faster than traditional rail traffic. As of 2012 the maximum commercial speed was about 300kmph for the majority of installed systems.

Construction of one kilometre of new high-speed line in Europe costs between  euro 12.and 30 million ($15-$37) million, according to the International Union of Railways.


For slide presentation  of different high-speed trains "A look at Europe's high-speed train network - Rediff.com Business"

High-Speed Rail: Bulgaria will have high-speed railways in three years: minister

Bulgaria says construction works of a 290-km high-speed railway line will begin in the spring.  When the project is completed, trains will be able to run at a speed of 160 km/h between the southern cities of Plovdiv and Burgas. Within a month and a half the ministry is to be ready with the other EU-financed stretch – between Sofia and Plovdiv.

For the complete report: FOCUS Information Agency