A report by a Whitehall spending watchdog warns that it is impossible to 'estimate with certainty what the final cost could be'.
HS2 is over budget and behind schedule because the complexity and risks of the multi-billion pound project were under-estimated, according to the Whitehall spending watchdog.
The National Audit Office warned that it is impossible to"estimate with certainty what the final cost could be". HS2 - a planned high-speed railway which was allocated £56bn in 2015 - would connect London, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Liverpool, Sheffield, Edinburgh and Glasgow with up to 18 trains an hour at a top speed of 225mph if completed.
But opponents say the scheme, which has cost some £8bn so far, is too expensive and environmentally damaging.A new report published by the NAO has urged the government and HS2 Ltd to be"transparent and provide realistic assessments" in relation to the high-speed railway.Earlier this week, a leaked government-commissioned review led by former HS2 Ltd chairman Doug Oakervee claimed the project's bill could reach £106bn.
Phase One of HS2 between London and Birmingham was due to open in 2026, however full services are now forecast to begin between 2031 and 2036.
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