A major European rail initiative is moving forward under the leadership of the Asturias-based Cosmen Menéndez-Castañedo family, who are driving Evolyn, a new railway company that aims to launch high‑speed services in 2025. The plan envisions a Paris to London corridor backed by the Channel Tunnel, challenging the long-standing dominance of the Eurostar consortium. For decades, Eurostar has carried millions of passengers annually across the English Channel, a network long seen as the backbone of cross‑channel travel. The Evolyn project seeks to offer a compelling alternative that expands options for travelers and freight alike, while contributing to a broader decarbonisation strategy across the European rail system.
Evolyn has committed to a substantial fleet renewal, purchasing twelve high‑speed trains of the Avelia family from the French manufacturer Alstom. The initial order could grow with the addition of up to four more trainsets, according to the company’s latest disclosures. The total planned investment is reported in the neighborhood of £1,000 million (about 1,159 million euros at recent exchange rates), underscoring the scale and ambition of the project as it positions itself for a competitive European market.
Statements from policymakers in the United Kingdom and France have framed the Evolyn venture as a catalyst for greater connectivity between the UK and multiple continental partners. The project is described as a greener option that aligns with national and European goals to cut carbon emissions from transport while preserving and enhancing mobility for passengers and businesses alike. A spokesperson linked to Evolyn, identified in public remarks as a leader within the Cosmen family circle, emphasized that the initiative is designed to offer real alternatives and improved travel times, with a focus on reliability and sustainability.
While the Cosmen family holds a significant influence in the project, Evolyn’s identity has been kept deliberately broad in its early stages. It is clear that a consortium of British and French industrial and financial actors is contributing to the venture, alongside a robust team of professionals with extensive experience across Europe. Edges of the project trace back to strong strategic roots in Asturias, where financial backing and a pool of seasoned specialists have anchored the planning process for several years. This cross‑border collaboration aims to deliver a service capable of reshaping international rail links and setting a benchmark for future European rail investments.
In parallel, the Cosmen family maintains a substantial stake in Mobico, the parent company formerly known as National Express, which owns Alsa and other transportation brands that operate rail and related services in several markets. Alsa’s portfolio extends beyond passenger services to include railway training centers and various tourism‑oriented locomotives in Spain, illustrating a broader footprint in the rail ecosystem. Mobico’s strategy in recent years has shifted toward reshaping its British operations while continuing to explore opportunities in continental markets such as Germany, where the firm has held a presence in the rail sector for some time.
As Evolyn advances, questions about partnership structures and implementation timelines have come into sharper focus. At the outset, there was speculation that Mobico might participate in the project; ultimately, the company redirected its attention toward immediate restructuring efforts that are aimed at stabilising operations in the near term. Supporters of Evolyn argue that the venture is engineered for sustained growth and long‑term impact, positioning the project as a catalyst for a more competitive, greener European rail landscape. Industry observers note the leadership role of the Cosmen family in steering this complex, multi‑jurisdictional initiative while stressing the importance of clear governance and transparent collaboration among all participants. By aligning with European decarbonisation targets and prioritising passenger experience, Evolyn aspires to become a durable element of cross‑channel connectivity that benefits travelers across both sides of the Channel and beyond. It remains to be seen how quickly the trains can be integrated into existing networks and how the service will adapt to regulatory and operational realities, but the momentum behind Evolyn signals a significant shift in the European rail narrative. The ongoing dialogue among national authorities, investors, and industry partners suggests a future where high‑speed travel across Europe becomes more accessible, efficient, and environmentally responsible, with Evolyn playing a pivotal role in that evolution. (Sources familiar with the project.)