London: The United Kingdom (UK) government has unveiled an updated rail investment plan and confirmed that the eastern leg of High Speed Two (HS2) will be scrapped. The Integrated Rail Plan (IRP), according to sources, will see "the biggest ever government investment in Britain's train network," with a 96-billion-pound ($129 billion) package of rail construction and enhancements for the Midlands and Northern England. However, the eastern portion of HS2, which was supposed to connect London to the city centres of Birmingham, Manchester, and Leeds, is poised to be abandoned under the current design.
"Our plans go above and beyond the original aspirations of HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail by providing advantages for communities of all sizes across the North and Midlands up to 10 to 15 years early," said Transport Secretary Grant Shapps.
The Department of Transportation claims that the plan, which is based on expert findings from a wide range of internal and outside analyses, including the National Infrastructure Commission, will provide better outcomes for passengers in a faster and more efficient manner than previous plans. Critics, on the other hand, charged the British government with violating pledges.
The first high-speed line in the UK is High-Speed One (HS1), which connects London to the Channel Tunnel. HS2 will be the second high-speed railway in the UK. The first phase of HS2 between London and Birmingham is currently under construction.
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