French state-owned rail operator SNCF has unveiled plans for a major renovation of Gare du Nord, or the North Station, in Paris, according to the Railway-Technology portal.
The reconstruction will take place in preparation for the Olympic Games, which will be held in the capital. France in 2024. The project includes an expansion of the station's space to accommodate the expected increase in passenger traffic in the coming years. Gare du Nord will be transformed into an "iconic station of the 21st century," capable of handling up to 800,000 additional passengers per day.
SNCF President Guillaume Pepy noted that after the renovation, the station will resemble London's St. Pancras International. As part of the major renovation of Gare du Nord, the departure hall and Eurostar terminal will be expanded. Additional entrances and exits will also be installed. The station's floor area will increase from 15,000 square meters to over 37,000 square meters. Plans also include renovating the adjacent bus station and installing bicycle parking. The rebuilt roof will house a sports area, including a basketball court and a golf course. The renovated Gare du Nord will also comply with modern environmental standards.
Gare du Nord serves the northern high-speed train (TGV), the Eurostar, and Thalys services to Belgium and the Netherlands. The French capital has 10 train stations. However, one of them is now a museum. This is the Musée d'Orsay. Trains from Paris to Orléans once departed from here.
Source: news.turizm.ru