Eurostar passengers faced a second day of delays Wednesday after a power outage in the Channel Tunnel caused widespread disruption on Tuesday, leaving some travelers stranded onboard trains overnight. Thousands of people experienced travel chaos as they attempted to reach their destinations in time for New Year's Eve celebrations.

Some passengers reported being stuck on trains for over six hours. One man, traveling on the 19:01 service to Paris, told the BBC that he was still at the entrance to the tunnel as of 03:00 GMT. He reported that staff indicated a "50 chance we go to Paris, 50 chance we go back to London." The 27-year-old Parisian added, "I guess my new year plan is in the hands of the tunnel operators now."

Eurostar stated its intention to operate all services on Wednesday but cautioned that delays and cancellations were still possible. The 06:00 GMT service from London to Paris was cancelled.

The disruption stemmed from a problem with the overhead power supply within the Channel Tunnel, compounded by a broken-down LeShuttle train that blocked all routes. Claire Keenan of EPA reported the widespread impact on travelers.

The incident highlights the vulnerability of complex transportation systems to unforeseen technical malfunctions. Predictive maintenance, an area where AI is increasingly being applied, could potentially mitigate such disruptions in the future. By analyzing sensor data from trains and infrastructure, AI algorithms can identify patterns indicative of potential failures, allowing for proactive repairs and minimizing downtime.

The application of AI in transportation extends beyond maintenance. AI-powered systems are being developed to optimize train schedules, manage traffic flow, and enhance security. However, the integration of AI also raises important societal questions about job displacement, data privacy, and algorithmic bias.

Recent developments in AI-driven predictive maintenance include the use of deep learning models to analyze vibration data from train axles, enabling early detection of bearing defects. Furthermore, AI is being used to optimize energy consumption in railway networks, reducing operational costs and environmental impact.

As of Wednesday morning, Eurostar was working to restore normal service, but passengers were advised to check for updates before traveling. The company acknowledged the inconvenience caused and apologized for the disruption to travel plans.