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HS2 faces further delays of up to four years and more cutbacks, it was reported yesterday.
The problems mean the country’s biggest infrastructure project may not be completed until 2045 – 12 years late.
The Financial Times said officials have started work on identifying where costs can be cut.
Insiders say savings will be made through a combination of delays and cuts in the first phase of the project that will link London to Birmingham.
The price tag of HS2 has soared from £33billion ten years ago to up to £100billion now.
Other parts of the project where the axe could fall are the Handsacre Link, which would connect HS2 to the existing West Coast main line, allowing high-speed trains to serve Stafford and Stoke-on-Trent.
HS2 faces further delays of up to four years and more cutbacks, meaning it may not be completed until 2045
Transport Secretary Mark Harper last night insisted it would run in to London Euston despite reports it could stop in west London instead.
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The price tag of HS2 has soared from £33billion ten years ago to up to £100billion now.
Other parts of the project where the axe could fall are the Handsacre Link, which would connect HS2 to the existing West Coast main line, allowing high-speed trains to serve Stafford and Stoke-on-Trent.
An arm leading east from Birmingham to the East Midlands could also be dropped.
An eastern leg which would have connected Birmingham with Leeds has already been axed to save money.
It comes amid the transport Department’s budget facing a shortfall of £5 billion by 2027-28.
Meanwhile, the Wildlife Trusts have accused HS2 Ltd of undervaluing the natural habitats affected by construction of the high-speed rail line.
The charity has produced a report claiming there will be at least 17 per cent less nature after construction of Phase One between London and Birmingham, whereas HS2 Ltd says there will only be a 2.6 per cent loss of nature.
HS2 Ltd said it does not believe the Wildlife Trusts’ figures are ‘reliable’.
