As scorching summers increasingly become the new normal across Europe, even high-speed rail is having to adapt.
Eurostar has made the decision to upgrade its incoming fleet of trains to cope with temperatures of up to 55C after this summer's intense heatwaves exposed just how vulnerable transport networks are to extreme weather.
With the new trains due to enter service in 2031, and remain in operation for some decades, the operator is betting on a future where today's record temperatures may no longer be exceptional.
Late last year, the company announced it had confirmed an order for new style, double-decker trains. Called ‘Celestia’, these trains were designed to function at temperatures of up to 45C.
It’s now made the decision to opt for up to 50 of the trains which can withstand temperatures up to 55C, following ongoing heatwaves across many parts of Europe which Eurostar serves.
