UK: The country government is exploring options for the main specifications of the under-construction HS2 line. As the project requires more and more spending, the measures need to be taken to cut costs and shorten the delivery timelines.
The country’s Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, has tasked the HS2 project delivery company to investigate whether it would be reasonable to reduce the train operational speed from 360 to 300 km/h.
One of the reasons for this is that there is no track designed for speeds over 360 km/h, neither in the UK nor the EU. It means that the rolling stock could be tested and certified only upon the completion of the tracklaying, which would entail even more delays in the project implementation. Lowering the speed may save billions of pounds and reduce the complexity of the HS2 project.
Meanwhile, the UK’s Department for Transport has initiated the negotiations with the JV Alstom–Hitachi Rail on curtailing the order for the trains. The initial contract for a fleet of 54 trainsets was intended for the 530 km route connecting London and Wigan. But in autumn 2023, Rishi Sunak, Prime Minister in office, made a decision to turn down the second phase of the project, thus shortening the line to 230 km. That could free up £36 bln (€41.5 bln).
Now the ordered fleet is considered redundant, and the manufacturers could expect compensation. In addition, the trainsets’ length may also be altered.
Implemented since 2009, the HS2 project has been facing serious financial and logistics challenges. The construction of the line commenced in 2019, with the first section planned to be opened in 2026. Now the launch is anticipated from 2029 to 2033. In 2019, the first phase of the project was estimated at £54–67 bln (€62–77 bln), while the current budget is approaching £100 bln (€115.5 bln).
