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HSL 1

HSL 1 is a line in that connects to the at the – border, spanning 88 kilometers in total with 71 kilometers of dedicated high-speed tracks designed for speeds up to 300 km/h. Opened on December 14, 1997, it serves as the country's first high-speed line, significantly reducing travel times between and to approximately 1 hour 20 minutes. The line begins at Lembeek, linked to Brussels-Midi station via a 17-kilometer section that includes a 450-meter twin-track for efficient access. As Belgium's oldest high-speed rail infrastructure, HSL 1 primarily facilitates international services, accommodating around 100 trains daily between Belgium and France at speeds of about 300 km/h. It forms a critical part of the European high-speed network, enabling seamless connections for Eurostar and TGV services to destinations including London, Paris, and beyond. The line's almost straight alignment optimizes high-speed operations, though it has faced maintenance challenges, leading to planned renovations following the 2024 Paris Olympics to address wear from intensive use. HSL 1's development marked a pivotal advancement in Belgian rail infrastructure, contributing to the nation's completion of its full high-speed network by the early , making it the first European country to achieve such comprehensive coverage for 300 km/h services. Operated and maintained by Infrabel, the line underscores Belgium's emphasis on international connectivity given the country's compact size and strategic location in .

History

Planning and approval

The planning for HSL 1 originated in the as part of Belgium's efforts to integrate into the emerging network, particularly to connect with France's for seamless cross-border services. This initiative aligned with broader international agreements among ministers in 1987-1989 to develop interoperable high-speed lines, emphasizing such as 25 kV and TVM-430 signaling, and was part of the EU's emerging (TEN-T) to promote cross-border high-speed connectivity. Key political milestones advanced the project amid regional tensions between Flemish and Walloon authorities, which had delayed earlier proposals. The Belgian formally approved HSL 1 in July 1991 as part of a national network plan, marking the end of protracted negotiations over routing and . EU contributions through and programs supported the line's role in trans-European connectivity. Regulatory processes involved rigorous environmental impact assessments to address urban and ecological concerns, resulting in design features like covered trenches and noise barriers to minimize disruption. Land acquisition posed significant challenges in , where dense suburban development and political sensitivities between regions complicated expropriations along corridors such as the Brussels-Antwerp highway. Agreements with the Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Belges (SNCB) ensured coordinated infrastructure planning, with responsibilities later assigned to its infrastructure arm, predecessor to Infrabel. The project was funded primarily by national Belgian funds under the Objectif 2005 investment plan, supplemented by international sources including EU . This funding structure reflected the line's strategic importance for , with national contributions handling the bulk of domestic regulatory and acquisition expenses.

Construction phases

The construction of HSL 1 began in 1993 and spanned four years until its completion in 1997, encompassing an 88 km route with 71 km of dedicated high-speed tracks. The project was executed in two primary phases, focusing on foundational before advancing to operational elements. These stages addressed complex terrain through southern , incorporating viaducts, embankments, and connections to existing rail networks. Phase 1, from 1993 to 1995, centered on groundworks, earthmoving, and the erection of key viaducts to establish the line's alignment. A standout feat was the 2,002 m Arbre Viaduct, a prestressed concrete structure spanning the Dender River and the Ath-Blaton Canal between Ath and Chièvres, designed to accommodate high-speed operations while minimizing environmental disruption. This phase also involved initial bridging preparations over the Scheldt River near Antoing and preparatory integration works at the Schaarbeek junction in Brussels, where the new line merges with conventional tracks. Engineering challenges included navigating varied geology, such as soft soils and river valleys, which required extensive geotechnical assessments to ensure stability for 300 km/h speeds. Phase 2, spanning 1995 to 1997, shifted to track laying, electrification, and across the full route. Ballasted track was installed on the dedicated sections, complemented by 25 kV AC overhead lines, while the remaining 17 km utilized upgraded existing lines. Testing phases verified alignment tolerances and dynamic performance, culminating in handover to operators. Urban integration near demanded precise cut-and-cover methods to avoid disrupting city infrastructure at Schaarbeek, while the crossing featured a multi-span to handle risks and navigation. Throughout construction, geological issues—such as unexpected soil instability in areas—contributed to schedule overruns and escalated expenses. The final cost reached €1.42 billion in 1997 values, with notable allocations for viaducts (approximately 20% of the ) and specialized loops allowing freight trains to bypass high-speed sections without speed restrictions. These loops, totaling several kilometers, were critical for maintaining network capacity amid the line's integration with legacy .

Opening and initial operations

The HSL 1, Belgium's first line, was officially inaugurated on 14 December 1997, connecting to the French border near Antoing and enabling initial test runs by trains at speeds up to 300 km/h. This 88 km line, comprising 71 km of dedicated high-speed tracks and 17 km of upgraded conventional lines, included a key in the approach section to -Midi to facilitate seamless integration with existing infrastructure. Initial services on HSL 1 were limited to international trains operating between and via the French , marking a significant advancement in cross-border connectivity. Prior to the line's opening, services from 1996 took just over two hours for the - journey; with HSL 1, this was reduced to 1 hour 25 minutes, enhancing competitiveness against . services also benefited immediately from the infrastructure, shortening London- travel times and supporting the line's role in the broader --London corridor. Early operations faced challenges in integrating with the ongoing upgrades at Brussels-Midi station, a major hub requiring coordinated adjustments for high-speed arrivals amid conventional traffic. Signaling systems, aligned with the French TVM 430 standard, required initial calibration to ensure compatibility across borders, though specific teething problems were resolved within the first year to maintain reliability. By 1998, full operational compatibility with was achieved, allowing smoother international throughput.

Route

Brussels to Halle section

The to Halle section forms the initial urban-proximate segment of HSL 1, spanning approximately 13 km from Brussels-South (Midi) station southward along modernised conventional tracks shared with regional services. This portion integrates high-speed operations into the dense metropolitan area, with upgrades enabling speeds up to 200 km/h while minimising disruption to existing commuter traffic. A feature is the 450 m twin-track at , which provides grade-separated access to platforms 1–6 at Brussels Midi for international high-speed trains, allowing them to bypass conflicting local movements. The route traverses province, transitioning from suburban environments to more open landscapes near the Pajottenland region, known for its rolling terrain. Track layout consists of double tracks with grade-separated junctions, eliminating level crossings to enhance safety and efficiency. At Halle (approximately km 13), the sole intermediate station in this section, high-speed services diverge from the conventional alignment into a dedicated cut-and-cover structure before crossing the Brussels–Charleroi Canal, setting the stage for the line's entry into fully dedicated high-speed territory at Lembeek (km 17 overall). Halle station itself was comprehensively rebuilt, featuring a part-covered cutting design that separates high-speed and local tracks while facilitating integration with regional S-train and services on lines , 94, and 96. This configuration supports seamless connectivity for passengers, with high-speed trains maintaining operational priority through the area. The section's prioritises urban compatibility, accommodating elevation variations inherent to the region's without compromising alignment standards for subsequent high-speed running.

Halle to French border section

The HSL 1 route extends approximately 75 km from Halle southward through in , traversing rural landscapes characterized by farmlands and gentle terrain. Departing Halle, the line follows a dedicated high-speed alignment that largely avoids urban areas, progressing via at-grade sections and embankments to maintain speeds up to 300 km/h. It crosses the Scheldt River on the Antoing Bridge near Antoing, a key structure enabling the uninterrupted flow of international services toward . Further along, the route incorporates deviations to loop around , bypassing the conventional Mons–Tournai line and connecting to it via a branch for services diverging to , thereby optimizing the primary path for Paris-bound trains. As the line approaches the border, it remains without intermediate stations, emphasizing its role as a dedicated express corridor. The alignment is predominantly at-grade with embankments for stability and , culminating at a triangle junction near Wannehain (km 88). This configuration ensures efficient connectivity without disrupting local rail operations. Border integration is designed for seamless handover to France's line near Lesquin, facilitating direct continuation to and via the Fretin triangle junction 11 km beyond the frontier. The absence of stops enhances capacity for high-speed passenger services, while the passage through Walloon farmlands incorporated wildlife corridors during construction to mitigate and support local biodiversity.

Key infrastructure features

The HSL 1 incorporates several notable structures to facilitate high-speed travel through varied , including and cut-and-cover sections that minimize and for operational speeds up to 300 km/h. The Arbre Viaduct, situated between Ath and Chièvres in the , is a prominent feature spanning a valley. This 2,005-meter-long structure, constructed as a box-girder bridge, ranks among Europe's longest railway viaducts and exemplifies the line's emphasis on elevated alignments to avoid level crossings and maintain geometric standards for high speeds. Near the border, the River (Antoing Bridge) provides a critical crossing of the near Antoing, measuring 483 meters in and enabling seamless connection to the LGV Nord network. The line also features cut-and-cover tunnels and to integrate with urban and rural landscapes, such as the 365-meter Bruyelle section adjacent to the crossing, which helps preserve environmental continuity while supporting the route's dedicated high-speed profile. In the Halle area, the station is integrated into a part-covered cutting to accommodate both high-speed and conventional tracks. These elements reflect design considerations for wind resistance at operational velocities and seismic resilience in line with Belgian standards for low-risk zones.

Technical specifications

Track and electrification

The HSL 1 employs the standard of 1,435 mm throughout its length, aligning with the uniform specifications for the Belgian railway network. The line is constructed as double track from end to end, facilitating bidirectional high-speed operations without single-track constraints. Electrification on HSL 1 utilizes a 25 kV 50 Hz overhead system, which supplies power to trains via pantographs designed for compatibility at speeds up to 300 km/h. This setup ensures reliable energy delivery for high-speed services. The track infrastructure primarily consists of ballasted construction with gravel ballast on the high-speed sections to provide stability and vibration damping, while transitions to conventional lines incorporate similar ballasted elements for seamless integration. Continuous welded rails are used to minimize joints and enhance smoothness at operational speeds. Maintenance involves periodic inspections and automated monitoring of and condition, with renewals scheduled based on usage and wear assessments since the line's commissioning in 1997.

Signalling and safety systems

The primary signalling and safety system on HSL 1 is the TVM-430 (Transmission Voie-Machine), a French-origin cab-signalling technology designed for automatic train protection (ATP). This system transmits movement authority and speed restrictions directly to the train driver's cab via continuous rail-based communication, enabling permissive operation at high speeds up to 300 km/h while ensuring compatibility with the adjacent French LGV Nord line, which employs the identical TVM-430 standard. At the French border near Lesquin, trains seamlessly transition between the Belgian and French segments without changes to the onboard signalling interface, facilitating uninterrupted international high-speed services. Key safety features of TVM-430 on HSL 1 include balises positioned along the track to provide fixed data such as location, gradients, and temporary speed restrictions, supporting continuous speed supervision by the onboard computer. The system enforces overspeed protection by monitoring train velocity against permitted profiles and automatically initiating emergency braking if the speed exceeds safe braking curves, which are dynamically calculated based on track conditions and authority limits. Notably, HSL 1 does not yet incorporate full (ATC), relying instead on driver oversight augmented by ATP functions, though ongoing interoperability efforts align with European standards. To enhance cross-border harmonization and meet Technical Specifications for (TSI), HSL 1 is planned for upgrade to ETCS by 2030 at the latest as per the 2017 national implementation plan, though as of 2025 it remains equipped with TVM-430, with the general Belgian network rollout delayed to 2027. This transition will introduce radio-based continuous communication, eliminating the need for track circuits while maintaining or improving safety levels through standardized and supervision protocols. HSL 1's signalling infrastructure adheres to rigorous safety standards established during its 1997 construction, mitigating risks such as derailments through redundant protection mechanisms. As of 2023, no major signalling-related failures or incidents have been reported on the line, underscoring the reliability of TVM-430 in operational service over nearly three decades. The line is undergoing renovations as of 2024 to address wear, including track and upgrades.

Maximum speeds and capacity

The HSL 1 is designed for a maximum operating speed of 300 km/h on its 71 km of dedicated high-speed tracks, enabling efficient long-distance international services. The remaining 17 km consists of modernised conventional lines with speed limits of 160 km/h on transitional curves and connections to existing networks, ensuring compatibility with urban and legacy infrastructure. The line's capacity is supported by the TVM 430 signalling system, which permits minimum headways of 3 minutes between trains, theoretically allowing up to 20 trains per hour per direction on the double-track alignment. This design enables a bidirectional throughput of approximately 250 trains per day under optimal conditions, though current utilization stands at around 100 trains per day, equating to 60-70% of potential capacity during peak international operations. In terms of performance metrics, operations at 300 km/h achieve notable , with trains consuming approximately 0.04 kWh per seat-km—about 75% that of conventional services at similar speeds (0.05-0.06 kWh per seat-km)—highlighting the line's role in reducing overall demands for high-volume . This efficiency stems from aerodynamic design, at 25 kV , and optimized , providing a clear over lines where speeds rarely exceed 200 km/h and consumption rises due to frequent acceleration and deceleration.

Operations

Passenger services

Eurostar, following its 2023 merger with Thalys, serves as the primary operator for high-speed international passenger services on HSL 1, connecting Brussels to Paris and London. These services include hourly high-speed trains to Paris with a journey time of 1 hour 22 minutes. Trains to London via the Channel Tunnel take approximately 2 hours in total. SNCF's provides additional high-speed international services to destinations in , such as in 3 hours 48 minutes, while operates low-cost direct trains to . Domestic (IC) services by SNCB utilize sections of HSL 1 for accelerated travel within , enhancing connectivity from Brussels-South. Peak-hour schedules from Brussels-South feature multiple departures, often exceeding 10 trains per hour across high-speed and conventional lines, with Halle acting as an important intermediate stop for regional links. Ridership on HSL 1 routes has shown strong recovery post-COVID, contributing to Eurostar's record 19.5 million annual passengers in 2024, up 5% from 2023. Pre-pandemic figures for high-speed services on the line reached 7.85 million passengers in 2019 via alone, with integrated EU ticketing systems like those from SNCB International and Rail Europe facilitating seamless bookings.

Rolling stock used

The certified for operation on HSL 1 has evolved since the line's opening in 1997, initially relying on modified TGV-derived trains for international services before incorporating newer multi-system high-speed multiple units and limited domestic options. All vehicles are adapted for the line's 25 kV 50 Hz AC electrification, with compatibility for adjacent networks, and must meet stringent safety and aerodynamic requirements for speeds up to 300 km/h. Thalys PBA sets, introduced in 1997, form the backbone of early operations on HSL 1 and are based on Alstom's Réseau design, consisting of two power cars and eight intermediate coaches. These tri-voltage trains (25 kV 50 Hz AC, 3 kV DC, and 1.5 kV DC) achieve operational speeds of 300 km/h on the line, with a maximum design speed of 320 km/h, and provide 377 seats (120 in and 257 in second class). Nine such sets were procured specifically for Paris-Brussels-Amsterdam routes, featuring aerodynamic modifications for cross-border efficiency and TBL (Transmission-Based Limiting) compatibility for Belgian signaling. The Eurostar e320 fleet—built on Siemens' Velaro platform—was introduced in 2015 for enhanced capacity and interoperability. Following the merger of Eurostar and Thalys in 2023, these 16-car multiple units have been utilized on former Thalys routes including HSL 1. They support multi-voltage operation (25 kV 50 Hz AC, 3 kV DC, and 1.5 kV DC) and are designed for 320 km/h maximum speed, routinely operating at 300 km/h on the Belgian high-speed sections. With 894 seats (222 in first class and 672 in standard class), the e320 includes ETCS Level 2 readiness for future signaling upgrades and improved energy efficiency through distributed traction across 16 motors totaling 16,000 kW. Seventeen units were delivered to boost peak-hour services between Brussels, Paris, London, and Amsterdam. SNCF's duplex trains, Alstom-built double-decker sets, began serving the Paris-Brussels route via HSL 1 in 2007 to address growing demand, offering higher capacity than single-deck predecessors. These bi-current units (25 kV 50 Hz AC and 1.5 kV DC) operate at up to 320 km/h, with 508 seats (182 in and 326 in second class) across two levels in eight coaches powered by end locomotives. Optimized for the 1 hour 22 minute , the duplex configuration includes enhanced accessibility features and reduced journey times through aerodynamic bi-level design, with over 88 sets in the broader fleet but a subset dedicated to runs. For domestic services, SNCB employs AM96 and AM99 electric multiple units, which are certified for limited HSL 1 sections but restricted to 160-200 km/h due to their design limits and lack of full high-speed . Built by Bombardier between 1996 and 2005, these two-car units (operable in coupled formations) use 3 kV or dual-voltage systems, seating around 150 each, and focus on connections like Brussels to , avoiding peak international slots; no freight [rolling stock](/page/rolling stock) is permitted on HSL 1 to prioritize throughput. In October 2025, Eurostar announced an order for up to 50 new double-decker "Celestia" trains from Alstom, capable of over 1,000 seats each, to enter service from 2031 and replace older TGV fleets on routes including HSL 1.

Performance and journey times

The high-speed rail services utilizing HSL 1 enable efficient end-to-end travel from Brussels to Paris, covering a total distance of approximately 309 km, which includes the Belgian HSL 1 segment and the connecting French LGV Nord line. The average journey time for these services is 1 hour 22 minutes, reflecting the seamless integration of the infrastructure for direct Eurostar (formerly Thalys) operations. As of mid-2025, on-time performance for services on HSL 1, defined as arriving within 6 minutes of schedule, has ranged from 82% to 87% according to Infrabel data. For connections to , the total journey via the and HSL 1 takes about 2 hours, with the HSL 1 segment from the French border to accounting for roughly 25 minutes at operational speeds up to 300 km/h. Prior to 2023, disruptions were primarily linked to border procedures during the transition from to integrated operations, though these have since been minimized through streamlined rail policies. In terms of efficiency, HSL 1 services provide approximately 50% time savings compared to pre-1997 conventional rail routes from to , which previously took over 3 hours. Additionally, travel on this corridor reduces CO2 emissions by about 80% per passenger compared to equivalent short-haul flights, promoting a shift toward lower-carbon options.

Impact and future plans

Economic and environmental effects

The HSL 1 has generated significant economic benefits, primarily through increased tourism and business travel facilitated by faster connections to and . This stems from modal shifts from air and , boosting for international visitors and professionals. Additionally, the project's phase contributed to in the rail sector, with ongoing operational roles supporting long-term jobs in maintenance and services. On regional development, HSL 1 has elevated Halle as a key transport hub by integrating high-speed services with local networks, enhancing connectivity for commuters and freight. This has helped alleviate traffic pressures in the Brussels area and promote more efficient regional mobility. Ridership growth on international routes has further amplified these benefits, underscoring the line's role in economic integration. Environmentally, HSL 1, like other electric high-speed rail lines, has low greenhouse gas emissions per passenger-kilometer owing to its infrastructure and efficiency at design speeds. Noise impacts are mitigated through barriers along the route, reducing disturbance in adjacent residential and rural zones. Despite these advantages, criticisms persist regarding the high initial costs, totaling €1.42 billion, which placed a substantial burden on Belgian taxpayers through public funding. Initially, the line saw limited domestic use, with services focused predominantly on routes, raising questions about equitable benefits for local communities.

Extensions and upgrades

Ongoing upgrades to HSL 1 focus on enhancing signalling and infrastructure reliability to support growing traffic. The installation of ETCS Level 2 across the line is scheduled for completion by 2030, enabling full supervision and interoperability improvements. In parallel, a phased track renewal program starting in 2024 addresses wear on dedicated high-speed sections, with a €310 million over 10 years to ensure sustained operational speeds and safety margins. As of 2024, Infrabel initiated this renovation following intensive use during the . Belgium's high-speed network, including HSL 1, integrates with other lines such as HSL 2 ( to via , opened 2006) and HSL 4 (to ). Upgrades to HSL 2 facilitate connections toward , reducing transfer times at Brussels-Midi for regional and international passengers. Complementing this, services extend to through HSL 4, enhancing end-to-end services from and , with additional daily frequencies planned. On the international front, harmonization efforts with France's TVM system are targeted for transition to a unified ERTMS framework by 2030, aligning signalling protocols across the border to eliminate legacy constraints and pave the way for potential speed increases to 350 km/h on compatible sections of HSL 1 and the adjoining . These developments are supported by EU funding under the TEN-T program to advance cross-border connectivity and sustainability goals.

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