Ministers have instructed HS2 Ltd to consider reducing train speeds from 224mph to 186mph (300km/h) in a bid to cut costs and accelerate the project's completion. The move aims to rein in the spiralling budget, which is expected to surpass £100bn, and bring the railway into service earlier in the 2030s.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander confirmed in a parliamentary update that HS2 chief executive Mark Wild has been asked to report back before the summer recess on potential savings from slower speeds. She noted that no UK railway is currently engineered for 360km/h, and testing abroad would increase costs and delays.
Wild's initial review revealed that HS2 Ltd lacked accurate assessments of work delivered and remaining, significantly underestimating the effort required. Alexander praised his leadership, stating the project is now 'working' and meeting construction milestones, including completing excavation of all 23 miles of deep tunnels for the opening stage.
Government sources criticised the previous Conservative government for 'gold-plating' the design, which would have made HS2 the world's fastest railway. Wild emphasised that speed was never the primary objective, highlighting better journeys, increased capacity, and economic growth as key benefits.
The six-monthly update put total expenditure at £46.2bn at current prices, including £2.6bn spent on the axed northern leg from Birmingham to Manchester. The full reset plan, including a restated budget in 2026 prices, is expected later this year.
