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Sources at the BBC indicate that the government is poised to announce its intention to construct a new rail link connecting Birmingham and Manchester.
While prior iterations of the HS2 high-speed rail project included a segment between these two major cities, that portion was ultimately abandoned by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s administration.
The government is also expected to formally present proposals on Wednesday for enhanced and novel rail connections throughout the North of England, under the banner of the Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) initiative.
Limited details regarding the prospective Birmingham to Manchester route are anticipated, beyond the stated intention to pursue its development following the completion of NPR. This timeline suggests the project may not materialize for several decades.
Government ministers have acknowledged the existing West Coast Main Line’s capacity constraints and recognize the eventual necessity for increased capacity.
Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, has voiced his support for the concept of an alternative, newly constructed line between Birmingham and Manchester.
However, this project is slated to commence only after a series of other improvements aimed at facilitating travel between northern cities are implemented.
The initial proposition for new east-west rail infrastructure across the north of England was advanced by former Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne in 2014.
A novel rail line connecting Liverpool and Manchester is considered a pivotal component of the broader Northern Powerhouse Rail project, designed to reduce transit times between northern urban centers and stimulate economic growth outside of London.
Expected announcements from the current government were repeatedly delayed last year, primarily due to financial considerations.
Sources indicate that an extensive review of the project is being undertaken to avoid repeating the issues that have plagued HS2, which has been marked by significant problems and costly delays.
HS2’s current budget is tens of billions of pounds over initial estimates, and the project is approximately a decade behind schedule.
Reports suggest that the now-shortened line between Birmingham and London could incur costs of £81 billion.
Adjusting for inflation, this could translate to at least £100 billion spent for the construction of only 135 miles of railway.
HS2 Ltd, the entity established by the Department for Transport, has conceded that it failed to maintain control over overall costs and acknowledged that project delivery has not aligned with what it describes as unrealistic initial expectations.
The Conservative party has asserted that Labour lacks “the ability to follow through on its promises.”
Shadow Rail Minister Jerome Mayhew stated: “Labour have spent months talking up Northern Powerhouse Rail, yet today they’ve put back any plans to actually deliver it and rewritten timetables on the fly.”
“Northern Powerhouse Rail could have been transformational, empowering regional growth and regeneration.”
“Under Labour it risks becoming a permanent mirage that is endlessly redesigned, downgraded and never delivered.”
Adam Mahmood, 20, has been sentenced after receiving an instructional video via social media.
Chief Constable Craig Guildford is facing calls for his resignation or dismissal from senior political figures.
Police are seeking public assistance in locating a man wanted in connection with the fatal stabbing of Chris Ikouara.
The defendant has appeared in court concerning the death of Darren Round, who was found deceased in Kings Norton.
Perspectives diverge on the government’s proposed Birmingham-to-Manchester rail line, reports Kaleigh Watterson.
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