Government Launches Urgent Reset of HS2 Project Oversight

The UK government has launched a major reset of HS2 following a damning review of mismanagement, inflated costs, and years of ineffective oversight that risked derailing the entire high-speed rail project. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander addressed Parliament with a sharp critique of HS2, referencing a report led by infrastructure expert James Stewart. The report revealed insufficient ministerial oversight, poor cost control, and supply chain inefficiencies that led to significant budget overruns.

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To regain control, the government will implement all review recommendations. These include tighter governance, stricter financial rules, and limited authority for HS2 Ltd to act without approval. This will help prevent further waste.

Without urgent changes, Phase 1 could become one of the world’s costliest rail segments, with projected overspending reaching £37 billion ($46 billion). Additionally, £2 billion ($2.5 billion) has already been wasted due to Phase 2 cancellations.

The government has already taken key corrective actions. These include appointing new leadership, commissioning the independent review, and allocating £25 billion ($31 billion) through the recent Spending Review to fund reforms and stabilize operations.

New HS2 Leadership and Accountability

Mike Brown has been named Chair of HS2 Ltd and will work alongside CEO Mark Wild. Together, they will reassess budgets, timelines, and project strategy. A revised delivery plan is expected by year-end.

Their reset strategy includes renegotiating contracts and restructuring HS2 Ltd to align skills and leadership with the project’s needs. These steps aim to rebuild public trust and ensure financial discipline.

HS2 Future Depends on Responsible Delivery

Alexander emphasized that the government is committed to completing the Birmingham–London section of HS2 responsibly. She described the reset as a vital “line in the sand” after years of broken promises.

With new leadership, reduced financial autonomy, and stronger controls, officials aim to transform HS2 from a symbol of failure into a model for disciplined infrastructure delivery.

Source, photo: www.railwaypro.com

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