The government has confirmed that HS2, the high-speed railway project, will now cost up to £102.7 billion, with trains potentially not running until 2039. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander described the original design as a 'massively over-specced folly' and called the time and cost increases 'obscene'. The project, which has been under review for 15 months, is now considered by many as the wildest white elephant in British history.
Political and Public Backlash
Alexander, the ninth transport secretary since HS2 was proposed, expressed anger over the project's mismanagement. Critics argue that the money could be better spent on hospitals, schools, and other public services. The project's defenders point to sunk costs of £44 billion already spent, but opponents insist that cancellation would free up billions for more urgent needs.
Historical Context and Mismanagement
HS2 has been plagued by poor planning and political indecision. Former Prime Ministers David Cameron, Boris Johnson, and Rishi Sunak all failed to halt the project despite doubts. Andrew Gilligan, a former Downing Street HS2 expert, admitted the project was 'certain to fail from the start' due to the wrong route, speed, and termini. The project has also been criticized for not linking with HS1.
Civil servants and advisers were overwhelmed by the project's scale, and the National Audit Office was accused of pulling its punches. The mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, supported HS2 instead of lobbying for local rail links, which are now in dire condition.
Current Progress and Future Prospects
As of now, not a metre of HS2 track has been laid, and only two viaducts out of 52 have been completed. Only 11% of the 169 bridges are finished. The project's boss, Mark Wild, admits that no track will be laid before 2029. Cancellation would liberate prime development sites around London Euston and Birmingham's Curzon Street, as well as the Coleshill interchange site for a new town.
Alternative Investments
Critics argue that the £7 billion annual HS2 budget could be redirected to re-signalling, electrification, and urban transit projects. Britain currently has only nine tram or metro networks, compared to France's 30 and Germany's 60. The funds could also be used for new hospitals, schools, care centres, youth clubs, and courtrooms.
Simon Jenkins, a Guardian columnist, calls for immediate cancellation, stating that the project is a 'total dud' and a 'superfluous railway'. He urges the government to have the political courage to stop HS2 and invest in more beneficial infrastructure.
