Earlier this month, the Department for Transport (DfT) delayed the project due to inflationary pressures coupled with the UK’s struggling finances.
The changes will see services not stopping in Euston for years to come, with passengers expected instead to travel for half an hour on the Elizabeth Line instead.
The latest cost estimate for the 10-platform design at Euston is £4.8bn, £2.2bn more than its original budget. The NAO report recommends that the DfT looks again at the project with regards to its budget and public benefits.
“Government is once again having to revise plans for Euston HS2. Clearly, the 2020 reset of the station design has not succeeded. DfT and HS2 Ltd have not been able to develop an affordable scope that is integrated with other activity at Euston, despite their focus on costs and governance since 2020. Recent high inflation has added to the challenge,” said Gareth Davies, head of the NAO.
“The March 2023 announcement by the transport...