HS2: Heidi Alexander to set out true cost of rail project – and when trains will begin to run
Summary
The UK government will soon share an updated cost estimate and schedule for the HS2 high-speed rail project, including plans to reduce train speeds to cut expenses. The project, originally planned to connect London with Manchester and Leeds, has been scaled back to a line only between London and Birmingham, with completion delayed beyond 2033.Key Facts
- The government will release the HS2 cost estimate in 2026 prices, hoping to keep it under £100 billion.
- Trains might run slower (320 km/h instead of 360 km/h) to save money.
- Automatic train operation, which helps manage busy train lines, may be dropped from the project.
- A report criticized earlier decisions for making the project too expensive and focusing too much on high speeds.
- Officials felt pressure from political leaders to keep the project moving despite rising costs.
- The project started in 2012 with a £32 billion plan for a larger rail network but was cut back in 2023.
- The London Euston station designs are still not finalized.
- Delays mean trains will not start running until after 2033.
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