The London Underground map will change as TfL gets a £6 million boost for a new line. Plans for a new Overground line have moved forward after receiving a £6.65m funding boost to fast-track proposals. Transport for London and four councils are hoping the investment will allow the public consultation on the West London Orbital to open this summer, leading to a final decision by the end of 2027. The route is set to create a fresh passenger link along underused freight lines between Hendon and Hounslow. It would involve four new stations being built as the Mayor of London hope to boost housebuilding and reduce car journeys.
The West London Orbital will link up with the HS2 at Old Oak Common in Ealing, with up to six trains an hour running along the line, which connects Brent Cross, Neasden, Harlesden, Acton, and Brentford, among other locations. The Old Oak & Park Royal Development Corporation is also involved in the latest funding package after Sir Sadiq Khan promised £400k as part of his 2026/27 Mayoral budget announced in January. The four new stations will be constructed in Old Oak Common Lane, Neasden, Harlesden, and Lionel Road, while other existing interchanges will be adapted to service the line.
TfL, along with Barnet, Ealing, Brent and Hounslow councils, believe they will seek extra powers from the Government to complete the project if it is approved next year. If approved, current estimates suggest it will open in the early to mid-2030s.
Transport bosses say the West London Orbital would support more than 25,000 new homes and 11,500 new jobs, delivering approximately £300 million in the first 10 years of operation.
« I’m pleased and proud to bring partners together so we can deliver the missing link in public transport for the north and northwest part of the capital, » Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan said. « Adding a new line to our fantastic London Overground network will help drive regeneration and economic growth not only along the new route but across our great city.
“I look forward to seeing the homes, jobs and opportunities unlocked by this innovative rail project as we continue building a better, greener, more prosperous London for everyone. »
Khan previously told MyLondon he plans to use « innovative financing » methods to fund the project after it was snubbed in the Government’s November Budget last year, with Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves instead backing the DLR extension to Thamesmead.
Ahead of the Northern line extension to Nine Elms and Battersea Power Station opening five years ago, City Hall placed levies on businesses and property owners in places that would benefit from the new connection to get it over the line.
A spokesperson for the Mayor later clarified to MyLondon that both the West London Orbital and proposed Bakerloo line extension will require a mixture of funding from the Government, TfL, the Greater London Authority and from local sources.
Alex Williams, Chief Customer and Strategy Officer at TfL, added: « The West London Orbital has the potential to transform how people travel across west and northwest London.
“This funding allows us to take the next major step in developing the scheme, working closely with boroughs, the West London Alliance and Network Rail to build a detailed, evidence-based case for delivery.
“Improving orbital connections will support new homes, unlock jobs and give more people access to fast, reliable public transport. »
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