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[By Jiguo for Europe Times, August 14] So far, if one wants to travel by train from Germany to London, UK, a transfer is necessary. The idea of building a direct railway between the two countries has been around for a long time. Currently, the governments of Germany and the UK are signing a statement of intent. It is reported that this statement is expected to create a convenient mode of travel that can replace air travel.

According to German news channel N-TV, Germany and the UK are actively promoting the direct railway project. German Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder and British Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander signed a statement in Hamburg. The statement said that a working group would be established to clarify outstanding issues.

"We are committed to ensuring that the first trains can cross the English Channel from Germany to the UK in the coming years," Schnieder said. However, he added that the border and security control issues must first be clarified with infrastructure operators and railway companies.

Alexander believes this is a pioneering statement because it has the potential to create a convenient mode of travel that can replace air travel. The minister said that the working group would bring the two countries closer together, "and provide new opportunities for tourism, business and cultural exchanges." "The direct railway will help create new jobs and strengthen the important trade links that form the basis of our economic relationship with Germany." "For British companies, this will improve their access to the European market; for German companies, it will facilitate their investment and business activities in the UK."

Due to various requirements such as operation, regulation and economic policy, currently, traveling by train from Germany to the UK can only be done through transfers - for example, via Brussels or Paris. According to Deutsche Bahn, up to ten trains need to transfer in Brussels every day. The desire of Germany and the UK to build a direct railway has been around for a long time.

Currently, in terms of passenger transport, only the high-speed train operated by the Franco-British joint venture Eurostar can cross the Channel Tunnel. "The direct railway will greatly simplify travel and significantly enhance the appeal of train travel," Schnieder emphasized.