DB has a long-stated ambition to launch services between Germany and
London St Pancras, but it must first meet the stringent standards for
passenger operation in the tunnel. The current requirements demand a
minimum train length of 375m and the capability to divide the train in
half in an emergency. However, a recent review by the Intergovernmental
Commission (IGC) suggested the rules should be amended to allow the
operation of standard-length trains that meet European Technical
Specification for Interoperability (TSI) fire safety standards, without
the splitting capability.
London St Pancras, but it must first meet the stringent standards for
passenger operation in the tunnel. The current requirements demand a
minimum train length of 375m and the capability to divide the train in
half in an emergency. However, a recent review by the Intergovernmental
Commission (IGC) suggested the rules should be amended to allow the
operation of standard-length trains that meet European Technical
Specification for Interoperability (TSI) fire safety standards, without
the splitting capability.
The IGC says the requirement for 375m-long trains must remain, although
200m-long trains such as ICEs could be approved if an appropriate
evacuation procedure can be agreed.
The multi-system Class 407 Velaro-D unveiled by DB and Siemens earlier
this year features additional fire safety measures. Fifteen of these
200m-long trains will be introduced on international services from
December 2011.
London-bound? DB's latest-generation ICE features enhanced fire safety measures. Photo: Keith Fender