The objective of the HSL project is, according to its formulation in the project description: the construction and operation of a high speed connection from the Netherlands, and specifically the Randstad, to a number of European economic centres in a southern direction. This connection is part of the European network of high-speed lines. A dedicated connection to this European network is necessary to accommodate the strong increase in international traffic. In addition, the HSL is a component in the general reduction of road and air transport in favour of the environmentally friendly transport by rail. 
 

The HSL project organization realises these objectives by delivering a complete transport system, the HSL. This includes:

• realisation and transfer of turn-key (rail) infrastructure;
• realisation and transfer of adjoining road sections of the A4 (Ringvaart Aqueduct - Dwarswetering) and A16 (Galder - Moerdijk junction), which are inseparably linked with the construction of the HSL in terms of planning and construction;
• a contract with operators(s) responsible for running the transport on the HSL;
• a contract for rail management and maintenance;
• looking after legal stipulations and regulations and (adjusting) the necessary policies.    

The essential conditions in realising this are the Key National Spatial Planning Decision (PKB), the HSL Route Decision (with supplements), and the Route Decisions (with supplements) for the national motorways A4 en A16.

The HSL project is regulated by the Lower House’s procedure regulation for ‘Large Projects’. This regulation requires that a report is issued every six months regarding the project’s progress in terms of execution and finances. These reports are known as the Progress Reports.