The projected cost of the HS2 high-speed railway could exceed £100 billion, with its completion now delayed until 2039—13 years later than originally planned, the government has admitted.
Cost Escalation and Delays
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander expressed anger over what she described as an 'obscene increase' in both time and costs, attributing the issues to 'failures of successive Conservative governments'. The estimated cost for the high-speed railway has escalated from an initial £32.7 billion to between £87.7 billion and £102.7 billion.
Reduced Speed and Phased Opening
To save money, HS2 trains will operate at a reduced maximum speed of 320 km/h (199 mph), down from the original design of 360 km/h (224 mph). The first phase, connecting Old Oak Common to Birmingham, is expected to open between May 2036 and October 2039. The section from Euston to Handsacre Junction will not open until between May 2040 and December 2043.
The admission marks a significant setback for the flagship infrastructure project, which has been plagued by rising costs and delays since its inception.
