The HS2 high speed rail project has been hit with an "unrealistic timetable", according to the National Audit Office (NAO).

Amyas Morse, Head of the NAO, said: "HS2 is a large, complex and ambitious programme which is facing cost and time pressures. The unrealistic timetable set for HS2 Ltd by the Department means they are not as ready to deliver as they hoped to be at this point. The Department now needs to get the project working to a timescale that is achievable."

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The programme for HS2 is also facing cost and schedule pressures with options for extending the opening date for phase 1 now being considered and steps are being taken to bring cost estimates within available funding, according to the NAO report.

The 2026 target opening date for phase 1 is at risk despite good progress with some major procurements. The Department for Transport has asked HS2 Ltd to revisit the programme schedule in order to increase confidence for delivery from 60 per cent to 80 per cent, without increasing costs. It has also asked HS2 Ltd to assess the impact of extending the timetable for opening Phase 1 by up to 12 months.

(CD)