EAST WEST RAIL CONNECTION STATE 1

Rating: Exempt under Section 43 - Commercial interests, Section 35 - Formulation of government policy

Schedule: Exempt under Section 35 - Formulation of government policy, Section 43 - Commercial interests

Cost: Exempt under Section 35 - Formulation of government policy, Section 43 - Commercial interests

Source: NISTA Major Projects Annual Report 2025-26 (data)

Rating: Compared to financial year 23/24-Q4, the Infrastructure Project Authority's Delivery Confidence Assessment rating at 24/25-Q4 remained at AMBER. This is primarily due to the following factors‚ The project remains broadly on budget and to schedule. The Deed of Amendment with Chiltern Railways has been signed, which officially onboards them as the Train Operating Company for CS1 services. Risk still remains over the trade union response to the mode of operation decision and how this may affect proposed time schedules to enter into service. Operational readiness planning remains a key priority focus for the project to deliver services by the end of 2025.

Schedule: Compared to financial year 23/24-Q4, the project's end-date at 24/25-Q4 remained at 01/09/2025. This is primarily due to the following factors‚ Overall the schedule remains ambitious but achievable. There are concerns regarding entry into service, which has been delayed due to awaiting the signing of the Deed of Amendment and a decision on mode of operation, which in turn has delayed driver training. Progress is being made with stakeholders to ensure operational readiness for entry into service by 2025.

Cost: Compared to financial year 23/24-Q4, the project's departmentally agreed Whole Life Cost at 24/25-Q4 (measured in £m) remained at 1353. This is primarily due to the following factors‚ The whole life costs for the project have been adjusted slightly to align with the approved business case. These figures represent scheme delivery costs, rather than whole life costs. Project spend largely represents the capital expenditure to deliver infrastructure, through the East West Rail Alliance.

Source: NISTA Annual Report 2024-25 (data)

Rating: Compared to financial year 22/23-Q4, the Infrastructure Project Authority's Delivery Confidence Assessment rating at 23/24-Q4 remained at Amber. This is primarily due to the following factors. The project is progressing well and is largely on budget and schedule to deliver services by 2025. Infrastructure works have been completed and the Heads of Terms with the operator have been agreed and signed off. There are risks around delivery of rolling stock, mode of operation and ensuring there are enough drivers trained for the start of services. Operational readiness planning is a priority focus for the project.

Schedule: Compared to financial year 22/23-Q4, the project's end-date at 23/24-Q4 remained schedule to finish on 2025-09-01. This is primarily due to the following factors. Overall the schedule remains ambitious but achieveable. Good progress has been made against important infrastructure milestones, including the completion of all Earthworks and completion of track laying. Imporant progress is being made to ensure operational readiness for entry into service by 2025.

Cost: Compared to financial year 22/23-Q4, the project's departmental-agree Whole Life Cost at 23/24-Q4 remained at 1353m. This is primarily due to the following factors. The whole life costs for the project have been adjusted slightly to align with the approved business case. These figures represent scheme delivery costs, rather than whole life costs. Project spend largely represents the capital expenditure to deliver infrastructure, through the East West Rail Alliance.

Source: IPA Annual Report 2023-24 (data)