Support for a controversial new high speed rail route from London to Birmingham was voiced by civil engineers today, saying it would boost the economy and bring about a “step change” in rail capacity.

The Institution of Civil Engineers said the HS2 route was more visionary than alternatives, and would encourage long-term economic growth. HS2, set to cost £32 billion, is expected to be built by around 2026 and has divided opinion. The Institute of Economic Affairs said it was “economically flawed”.

But ICE backed the plan, arguing it would free up capacity on the UK’s “congested” rail network and would be value for money.

Spokesman Steven Hayter said: “The opportunity should be taken to invest in growth by providing a new railway that is fit for the 21st century – significantly increasing capacity, strengt- hening connectivity between Britain’s city regions and linking up with the trans-European rail network.”

He added: “Faster, more reliable connections to London could propel a region’s economic competitiveness and act as a catalyst for regeneration as city developers, planners and businesses alike take advantage of the opportunities, especially in the Midlands, the North and Scotland.

“We believe the benefits are not limited to those cities served by HS2. Many will benefit from released capacity and significantly improved services on the existing lines, such as communities that are currently not well served by the West Coast main line.”

Earlier this week a report from the Institute of Economic Affairs said the project was “economically flawed”. It would require a contribution of £1,000 per income tax-payer and was not commercially viable, its report said.

Deputy editorial director Dr Richard Wellings said it was “another political vanity project – like Concorde and the Millennium Dome – being ploughed ahead with complete disregard for properly thought-through commercial prospects or the mounting opposition to it”.