HS2 blew billions - here's how and why

Published On Sep 16, 2024, 1:02 AM

The article discusses the troubled history of HS2 (High Speed 2), a major railway infrastructure project in the UK that has faced significant budget overruns and operational challenges. Originally budgeted at £32 billion, costs have escalated to potentially £80 billion or more, with only a fraction of the planned line being completed. The emphases on speed over capacity, local opposition, and poor financial management are highlighted as key issues leading to its current state. Critics argue that the project serves as a cautionary tale about government handling of large infrastructure undertakings. There's ongoing debate about whether HS2 will ultimately deliver value for money, with some asserting that the emphasis should have been on increasing capacity rather than speed.