HS2 project faces critical challenges as update reveals progress
- HS2 Ltd's chief executive Mark Wild states that the railway project is in a serious situation and requires a fundamental reset.
- Previous cost estimates for the HS2 construction have been deemed unreliable by top officials.
- Mark Wild is committed to ensuring that the railway opens safely and efficiently while delivering on its economic promises.
In December 2024, Mark Wild, the new chief executive of HS2 Ltd, expressed serious concerns regarding the status of the high-speed railway project in England. He indicated that the project is in a precarious situation and requires a fundamental reset to proceed effectively. Earlier estimates stated that the cost for building HS2 would range between £54 billion and £66 billion at 2019 prices, or £67 billion to £83 billion in current prices. However, these figures were deemed unreliable by Dame Bernadette Kelly, the Department for Transport’s top civil servant, who noted that a verified estimate would not be available until well into 2025. Underlining the importance of railways in enhancing travel experiences and boosting economic growth, Wild committed to ensuring the project can deliver these benefits safely, efficiently, and at the lowest feasible cost. Currently, 38 of 55 miles of twin-bore tunnels have been excavated, and over half of the engineering groundwork required for the railway is complete. Despite challenges, more than 31,000 workers are actively engaged across 350 construction sites. Significant projects that are expected to reach completion in 2025 include the Northolt Tunnel and the Bromford Tunnel, indicating ongoing progress amidst the challenges the program faces.