According to reports, the high-speed line may only reach Old Oak Commons due to rising costs, but the chancellor affirms the government’s commitment to Euston, the original goal.
The chancellor has confirmed that HS2 will conclude at Euston, contrary to rumors that the high-speed train would terminate before reaching central London.
Jeremy Hunt stated that he did not foresee “any conceivable scenario” in which the original plan would not be adhered to and that he was “very proud” of the ongoing work.
A report in The Sun suggested that the final section of HS2 could be canceled and replaced with a new hub at Old Oak Common in the suburbs of north-west London, casting doubt on the line’s terminus.
This would force travelers to complete their journey into the capital’s center on the new Elizabeth underground line.
The administration did not deny the rumours or the prospect of a project-wide two- to five-year delay. Which is currently scheduled for completion between 2029 and 2033.
HS2 will reach central London
Mr. Hunt confirmed that the route would end at Euston as planned.
The chancellor said, “I cannot see a scenario in which this would not end up at Euston. And I gave HS2 top priority in the autumn statement.”
We have a poor track record of delivering complicated, costly infrastructure swiftly in the United Kingdom, but I’m very proud that for the first time in the last decade, under a Conservative government, we have shovels in the ground, we’re building HS2, and we’ll make it happen.
Later, a spokesperson for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said that he agreed with Mr. Hunt and that the government was “committed to the integrated train strategy.”
The HS2 project has been plagued with financial and environmental effect criticism.
In October 2021, Leveling Up Secretary Michael Gove proposed a reassessment of the line’s capital expenditures.
However, after being appointed to Number 11, Mr. Hunt supported the initiative.
Phase 1 between London and Birmingham was estimated to cost £40,3 billion at 2019 prices. Despite an entire budget of £55.7 billion being established just four years prior.
And more than $1 billion has already been spent on Euston’s improvements.
Penny Gaines from the organization Stop HS2 stated that the out-of-control prices are “not at all shocking.”
She continued, “These findings demonstrate that there are so many issues with HS2.” “As the duration of the delay increases, so does the expense. Therefore, the entire project should be canceled as soon as possible.”
