Plans for the first direct high-speed rail connection between the United Kingdom and Germany are advancing, signalling future opportunities for significant infrastructure and engineering works.
Eurostar and Deutsche Bahn have confirmed the signing of a memorandum of understanding to explore and develop a direct service linking London with major German cities, including Cologne and Frankfurt. This strategic development, anticipated to launch in the early 2030s, represents a long-term pipeline of potential contracts for the UK construction sector, particularly for firms specialising in rail infrastructure.
The proposed service aims to connect the city centres of London and Cologne in approximately four hours, and London and Frankfurt in just over five hours. The project’s viability is supported by a joint UK-Germany government taskforce, which held its inaugural meeting on 25 November 2025 to address barriers to establishing direct international rail services. For the construction and engineering supply chain, the introduction of a new international operator and fleet to the UK network implies a requirement for substantial preparatory works. The service is planned to utilise Eurostar’s new double-decker Celestia fleet, which may necessitate modifications to UK infrastructure to accommodate the new rolling stock.
Key areas for potential investment include upgrades at the UK terminus, St Pancras International, to handle increased passenger capacity and new service requirements. Furthermore, the stabling and maintenance of the new fleet will likely require the construction of new depot facilities or the significant enhancement of existing ones, creating high-value tenders for specialised construction and engineering contractors. While the service will utilise the existing HS1 line, assessments will be required to determine if any upgrades to power supply, signalling, or track are needed to support the integration of these new long-distance, high-capacity services.
This development is positioned by the government as a key project to strengthen economic and trade links between the UK and Germany. For the UK construction market, the establishment of this direct rail link is more than a transport development; it is a strategic infrastructure project that will generate demand for a wide range of services, from initial civil engineering and enabling works to station modifications and the construction of advanced maintenance facilities. Companies within the rail and transport infrastructure sectors should monitor the project’s progress as it moves from planning to procurement, positioning themselves for the opportunities that will arise in the coming years to deliver this major European connection.
