HS2 may not run through central London – report

The HS2 rail line to Manchester will go ahead says the government, despite a recent report that said the scheme may no longer reach central London. 

According to the Sun, rising inflation and construction costs meant HS2 trains may terminate in the suburbs of west London instead. 

The paper claims bosses are considering pushing back its Euston terminus to 2038 or scrapping it completely.

The government has not denied the report. 

If the report proves true, it means trains would run from a new hub at Old Oak Common – around 5 miles away, meaning commuters would need to use the Elizabeth Line or Tube to get to central London. 

The newspaper also claims a two to five-year delay to the entire project is being considered. 

A Department for Transport (DfT) spokesperson said the government remained committed to “delivering HS2 to Manchester, as confirmed in the Autumn Statement”.

High Speed 2 (HS2) was originally planned to connect London with Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds. 

The leg to Leeds has since been scrapped. 

Work between London and Birmingham is underway and part of the line is expected to be opened by 2033. 

But the project has faced massive delays and mounting concerns over the exact route and its potential environmental impact.