London aerial view, Istock

Future of HS2: Doubt cast over trains running to central London

The current state of HS2 has been cast into doubt though after the Government has refused to deny recent reports that the project may not run to Euston until 2038.

Due to the ongoing inflation hikes that are plaguing the UK, there is currently high levels of scrutiny directed towards government spending, with many arguing that the costs involved with HS2 outweigh the social benefit that it could deliver.

The Sun has reported that due to these costs concerns, plans for the high-speed rail’s run to central London could be completely scrapped, seeing trains stopping at a new hub at Old Oak Common in the suburbs of west London. This would then see commuters finish their journeys into the centre via traversing by the Elizabeth Line.

In 2019 prices, the estimated costs for the entirety of the project came between £72bn and £98bn, a staggering increase from the original 2015 budget allowance of £55.7bn. Though it is vital to note this accredited budget was announced prior to the cancellation of the Leeds leg.

The Sun’s report has also suggested that there could be a two to five-year delay for the entire project, a major halt from the current estimations of completion for 2029 and 2033.

Asked about the report, the Department for Transport said:

"The government remains committed to delivering HS2 to Manchester, as confirmed in the autumn statement.

"As well as supporting tens of thousands of jobs, the project will connect regions across the UK, improve capacity on our railways and provide a greener option of travel."

Funding for HS2 has been scrutinised for some time, seen through Michael Gove, the Levelling Up Secretary, suggesting that the capital investment would be reviewed, only for Jeremy Hunt to support the project.

Current Transport Secretary Mark Harper has said that inflation was not affecting the "overall affordability of HS2 in real terms" but it was "creating pressures against its existing annual funding settlements."

*Update* 

In a recent development Jeremy Hunt, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, has addressed these concerns, confirming that the project will go ahead as planned, saying:

"I don't see any conceivable circumstance in which that would not end up at Euston." 

 Want to know more about the opportunities to become a key supplier to the UK rail industry? Attend TransCityRail and access an exclusive marketplace of buyers from Network Rail, HS2, Train Operators, Major Contractors, and all other tiers of the supply chain. For more information and to secure your place click here.                

RTM

RTM Dec 23/Jan 24

Battery Powered Rail on Merseyside

This issue highlights the latest topics within the rail industry, from how the HS2 decision affects rail freight to the draft rail reform bill.                            

Videos...

View all videos
TransCityRail Banner

TransCityRail

Mids \ 29 02 24
South \ 11 07 24
North \ 07 11 24

TransCityRail is a series of regional, interactive and insightful events across the country bringing together leaders, collaborators, problem solvers and innovators in a creative and invigorating way.
 

This series of events supports and informs the whole of the rail industry and connects suppliers with buyers, specifiers, leaders and decision-makers looking to procure a wide variety of innovative products and services for their region.

11/07/24

TransCityRail SOUTH

The South of England accounts for a significant portion of the UK’s rail investment strategy and is home to 7 sub-national transport bodies that have all placed rail infrastructure at the centre of their strategic investment plans.

Every year industry leaders from Network Rail, HS2, Train Operators, major contractors and transport bodies converge at the TransCityRail SOUTH conference, exhibition and networking dinner for a day of collaboration, conversation and engagement.

At this year's event, we're discussing...

More articles...

View all