HS2 project faced ruinous mismanagement, advisor claims

In the UK, a former Downing Street transport advisor has argued that the HS2 railway project was bound to fail from the outset. Andrew Gilligan, writing in The Sunday Times on October 27, has condemned the project as possibly the worst infrastructure plan in contemporary British history. He highlights mismanagement and foundational issues—such as improper routing and inadequate speed specifications—as key contributors to the project's failures. Ministers recently revealed contradictory budget estimates, indicating possible overruns of £10 billion to £20 billion. Gilligan emphasized the need for alternative infrastructure investments, suggesting that funds should be diverted to less expensive solutions like trams and bus lanes. He also criticized the original plans for HS2, particularly the proposed connections in Birmingham and the limited benefits for cities outside London and the southeast, asserting that the anticipated savings and advantages of high-speed travel do not justify the exorbitant costs. As discussions around a scaled-back HS2 ‘Phase 2’ continue, Gilligan labels the notion of a ‘light’ version of the project a dangerous misconception. He maintains that the fundamental flaws and lack of transparency in the project management of HS2 Ltd are the root causes for its escalating issues. Ultimately, Gilligan advocates for an end to the current HS2 proposals and a reallocation of funding to more practical transport solutions.