The ambitious project was launched in 2009 and was greeted with much uproar regarding the time, cost and impact involved. Environmental campaigners are against the construction of the line, citing concerns over damaging areas of natural beauty and CO2 emissions.

And the cost of Phase One alone has spiralled from an initial estimate of just over £19 billion ($23.3bn) to £50 billion+ ($61bn+) when it is (hopefully) completed by 2033. Once finished, the line is expected to cut travel time between London and Birmingham to around 45 minutes, offering a faster alternative for commuters and travellers.

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