The High Speed 2 rail link could be stopped before reaching central London, according to infrastructure minister Lord Deighton.
The first phase of the £42.6 billion project is due to run from London’s Euston station to Birmingham before extending further north to Manchester and Leeds.
But Deighton, who is leading the government’s controversial rail project, did not rule out scrapping the final few miles of tunnel into Euston, according to the Financial Times.
The HS2 link could instead terminate at a planned new station called Old Oak Common in west London (also known as Crossrail Interchange) and then be linked to central London through the Crossrail line which is currently under construction.
“Looking at opportunities to do things more efficiently is something we are prepared to consider,” said Deighton at an event in Birmingham.
HS2 has been under heavy criticism over recent months from organisations such as the Institute of Directors questioning how much the project will cost. MPs have also disputed the estimated economic benefits of the rail link.
“It is entirely appropriate for people to keep reminding us that it isn’t a blank cheque book and we have to impose delivery disciplines,” added Deighton.