London Underground map to change forever with £6m update on new line | UK | News
The London Underground map is set to change after TfL received £6 million in support for a new line. Plans for a new Overground line have progressed following a £6.65 million funding boost to fast-track proposals. Transport for London and the four councils hope the investment will allow a public consultation on the West London Orbital to begin this summer, leading to a final decision by the end of 2027. The route has been set to create a new passenger link along underused freight lines between Hendon and Hounslow. It will involve building four new stations as the Mayor of London hopes to boost house building and reduce car journeys.
West London Orbital will connect to HS2 at Old Oak Common in Ealing, with up to six trains per hour running along the line connecting Brent Cross, Neasden, Harlesden, Acton and Brentford, among other locations. Old Oak & Park Royal Development Corporation is also included in the latest funding package after Sir Sadiq Khan pledged £400k as part of the 2026/27 Mayoral budget announced in January. Four new stations will be built at Old Oak Common Lane, Neasden, Harlesden and Lionel Road, while other existing junctions will be adapted to serve 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 the facility would open in the early to mid-2030s.
Transport bosses say West London Orbital will support more than 25,000 new homes and 11,500 new jobs and generate around £300 million in the first 10 years of operation.
Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan said: “I am delighted and proud to be bringing our partners together to provide the missing link in public transport for the north and north-west of the capital.” “Adding a new line to our fantastic London Overground network will help support regeneration and economic growth not only along the new route but throughout our great city.
“I look forward to seeing the homes, jobs and opportunities this innovative rail project creates as we continue to build a better, greener, more prosperous London for everyone.”
Khan has previously told MyLondon that he plans to use “innovative financing” methods to fund the project after it was rejected in the Government’s November Budget last year, with Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves backing an extension of the DLR to Thamesmead instead.
Ahead of the extension of the Northern line to Nine Elms and Battersea Power Station, which opened five years ago, the Council imposed levies on businesses and property owners in areas that would benefit from the new connection to pass over the line.
A spokesman for the Mayor later explained to MyLondon that the extension of both the West London Orbital and the proposed Bakerloo line would require a mix of funding from the Government, TfL, the Greater London Authority and local sources.
Alex Williams, TfL Chief Customer and Strategy Officer, added: “West London Orbital has the potential to transform the way people travel in west and north-west London.
“This funding allows us to take the next big step in the development of the scheme, working closely with the boroughs, the West London Alliance and Network Rail to create a detailed, evidence-based case for delivery.
“Improving orbital connectivity will support new homes, unlock jobs and give more people access to fast, reliable public transport.”
