HS2 High-Speed Trains May Slow Down to Cut Costs on Troubled Project
HS2 bosses are exploring the possibility of making the high-speed trains slower as ministers consider ways to cut spiralling costs on the beleaguered scheme. The government is expected to instruct project leaders to officially examine the option of reducing train speeds to avoid sending them abroad for testing or facing significant delays.
Original Speed Specifications Under Review
Under current specifications, the trains were set to have a maximum speed of 360km/h (225mph), which would make them the fastest trains anywhere in the world. However, this ambitious target could now be scaled back as part of cost-saving measures. Transport minister Heidi Alexander is reportedly "weighing up all options" to reclaim taxpayer time and money on the embattled project.
Testing Challenges and Financial Implications
Government sources indicate that if trains were built to the original speed specifications, they would either need to be sent to China for testing on existing tracks engineered for such high speeds, or wait until a suitable track was constructed in the UK. This approach could delay completion by several years and add billions to the project's cost.
A source familiar with the plans told The Times: "It's no secret that HS2 was originally conceived as a gold-plated project. Following a litany of failure, this government is doing the hard work to pull HS2 out of the dirt and get on with delivery."
The source added: "As we reset the project, we will take every opportunity to claw as much time and taxpayers' money back as possible, as we deliver this railway line as fast as possible. This is the team that turned the overbudget and delayed Crossrail project into the much-loved Elizabeth line, we have done it before, we will do it again."
Project History and Cost Escalation
Last year, Ms Alexander told the Commons she was drawing a "line in the sand" over HS2, which she described as an "appalling mess." She is expected to provide a six-monthly update to parliament through a written statement on Monday afternoon.
HS2 was originally planned to run between Euston and Birmingham, with extensions to Manchester and Leeds, but the project was severely curtailed by the Conservatives due to escalating costs. In 2013, HS2 was estimated to cost £37.5 billion (at 2009 prices) for the entire planned network, including now-scrapped extensions from Birmingham. However, by June 2024, HS2 Ltd assessed the cost for the line between London and Birmingham alone would be up to £66 billion.
Future Outlook and Government Response
A revised cost and schedule for HS2 will be published this year following a comprehensive review by chief executive Mark Wild, who began his role in December 2024. A Department for Transport spokesperson stated: "We do not comment on speculation. Following years of mismanagement, poor decisions and spiralling costs, the Government has taken decisive action to reset HS2 and ensure the safe delivery of the line between Birmingham and London at the lowest reasonable cost. We will share an update on the reset's progress shortly."
The potential speed reduction represents a significant shift in the project's ambitions, highlighting ongoing challenges in balancing technological aspirations with financial realities in major infrastructure developments.
