THE UK’S capital isn’t exactly short of train lines – but a completely new service is taking a step closer to getting approval.
Transport for London (TfL) is hoping that its proposed West London Orbital (WLO) line will get the green light next month.
Plans for the WLO launched back in 2017 and propose to create new connections to north and west London.
This would include the line travelling through Hounslow to Hendon and West Hampstead via Old Oak Common – the new rail hub created for HS2.
The proposed rail line promises to cut the journey time considerably between Harlesden and Brent Cross to just a few minutes.
Currently, travellers heading on this route need to make several changes.
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If the plans are approved, then the WLO will be built on an old freight line that hasn’t had passengers on it since 1902.
A new station would also be built on Lionel Road, near Gunnersbury Park.
Services could run from Kew Bridge as well.
In total, the project is expected to cost around £700million.
TfL is hoping that they will receive backing from the government in its autumn budget and if the project is approved, then the line will become the seventh branch of the London Overground network.
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said that the WLO could “transform the future of transport in the capital”.
He added: “As the West London Orbital route would be integrated into the London Overground network, it would be given its own line name, consistent with the principles of the individual line names I launched in 2024.
“The local communities along the line, the local heritage, history, and interchanges with other lines would all be taken into consideration to find a suitable name that showcases London’s rich diversity and makes sense for wayfinding and navigation.”
A number of other rail projects are proposed for the capital including the DLR extension and Bakerloo extension.
The Bakerloo Line extension would extend the tube line from its current terminus at Elephant & Castle, to Lewisham.
The project would involve adding a number of new stations along the route, including on Old Kent Road and New Cross Gate.
And an extension will also be carried out on the DLR to Thamesmead, veering off the current line at Gallions Reach.
This involves adding a new station at Beckton Riverside too.
Commenting on the ongoing projects in July, Sadiq Khan said: “Subject to successful funding discussions, as well as further project development, planning and public consultation, I am confident that the DLR extension could be delivered by 2032, with the Bakerloo line extension and West London Orbital following later in the 2030s.”
In other train news, a brand new £160million UK train station is set to open in days as all fares are revealed.
Plus, two huge cities north of London are tipped for direct trains to Europe.