A power supply failure on a high-speed rail line in northern France has led to extensive disruptions across Eurostar services on Monday, affecting thousands of passengers travelling between key European cities including London, Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam. The issue, which emerged around 08:30 local time (06:30 GMT), resulted in the closure of the line between Moussy and Longueil in the Hauts-de-France region, prompting service cancellations, significant delays, and rerouted trains for the remainder of the day.
Major Disruption on Eurostar Network
Eurostar’s official schedule lists nine cancelled trains between London and Paris, alongside at least fifteen delayed services, as a direct consequence of the power fault. Additional cancellations and delays have been reported on services connecting Brussels and Paris and Amsterdam and Paris. However, routes such as London to Amsterdam, Brussels to Amsterdam, Brussels to London, and Brussels to Cologne have reportedly remained unaffected by the disruption.
French rail network operator SNCF Réseau identified the root cause as a “power supply issue” requiring “major repairs,” describing the situation as “severely disrupted.” The company has projected further delays ranging from one to five hours across Eurostar and other high-speed services, including TGV inOui and Ouigo.
A spokesperson for Eurostar stated, “SNCF Réseau has informed us that one track is expected to reopen by 18:30 CET (17:30 GMT), allowing limited service to resume on the high-speed line. Full two-track operation should restart by Tuesday morning as services resume.”
Impact on Passengers and Service Operations
Passengers travelling during what is traditionally a peak travel period August school holidays have faced heightened inconvenience amid already busy rail corridors. Eurostar recommended that travellers consider postponing journeys where feasible to avoid uncertainty. Additional staff have been dispatched to impacted stations to assist stranded passengers, providing information and alternative arrangements.
Emma Parry, a transport analyst at the Centre for European Rail Studies, explained the broader implications: “Power supply faults are not uncommon on heavily used high-speed rail networks; however, their timing during peak holiday periods amplifies their disruptive impact considerably. Passengers and operators face cascading delays, particularly when key sections of infrastructure are out of service.”
A History of Recent Disruptions
This incident adds to a string of recent challenges for Eurostar and France’s LGV Nord line. In early July, a Eurostar train running between Brussels and London was evacuated in northern France after experiencing a power failure. Simultaneously, the LGV Nord corridor has grappled with several operational setbacks including fatal accidents in June, followed by disruptions linked to cable theft.
SNCF Réseau continues to focus on upgrading and securing critical infrastructure; however, the vulnerability of the electrical supply system has raised concerns among industry experts and passenger advocacy groups.
Jean-Marc Durand, an engineer specializing in rail electrification, commented: “The complexity of the high-speed rail power grid, combined with aging components and occasional vandalism, makes maintenance and quick recovery challenging. Investment in redundancy and security is essential to minimize future incidents.”
Broader Implications for European Rail Travel
Eurostar’s network is a vital artery for cross-Channel travel connecting the UK with mainland Europe and facilitating economic exchange, tourism, and daily commuting. Disruptions on this scale reverberate through interconnected transport hubs and supply chains. According to a 2023 report by the European Rail Agency, the punctuality rate for high-speed rail services averaged around 87 percent, but technical failures remain a leading cause of delay.
Transport economist Prof. Maria López of the University of Amsterdam reflected on potential long-term effects: “Repeated service interruptions risk eroding customer confidence precisely at a time when sustainable travel options are crucial for reducing aviation and road transport emissions. Eurostar and other operators must prioritize resilience and rapid response capability.”
Looking Ahead: Recovery and Future Outlook
Efforts to restore full function on the affected rail section are ongoing, with normal two-track service anticipated from Tuesday morning. Eurostar has pledged to keep travellers informed through real-time updates across digital platforms.
This disruption highlights the significance of robust infrastructure management within Europe’s expanding high-speed rail network. The European Commission has underscored the importance of rail electrification in meeting climate goals and is advocating for increased funding towards the maintenance and modernization of critical transport corridors.
As Eurostar navigates the aftermath of this incident, industry stakeholders will be monitoring operational responses and infrastructure investment decisions closely. For travellers, flexibility and awareness remain key during this period of recovery.
Key Facts:
- Power supply failure occurred at 08:30 local time (06:30 GMT) on August 7, 2024.
- High-speed line between Moussy and Longueil in Hauts-de-France region closed.
- At least nine Eurostar London-Paris trains cancelled; over 15 delayed.
- Additional delays on Brussels-Paris and Amsterdam-Paris routes.
- One track expected to reopen by 18:30 CET with limited service.
- Full two-track operation projected by Tuesday morning.
- Peak August travel period intensifies passenger impact.
- Prior incidents in recent months include evacuations, fatal accidents, and cable theft on LGV Nord line.
For passengers affected by service disruptions, Eurostar advises regularly checking its official website and social media channels for updates and refund options. Transport authorities and infrastructure managers continue to work collaboratively to resume normal operations as swiftly as possible.
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