Wedoany.com Report on Mar 6th, Transport for London (TfL), in partnership with the boroughs of Barnet, Brent, Ealing, and Hounslow, along with the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation, has jointly invested up to £6.65 million to advance the next planning phase of the West London Orbital railway project. This West London Orbital scheme aims to repurpose existing freight lines to create a surface railway connecting multiple growth areas and interchange hubs, with a projected capacity of up to six trains per hour.
Proposed stations include Brent Cross, Neasden, Harlesden, Old Oak Common, Acton, Brentford, and Hounslow, with public consultation on four new stations planned for later this year. The project aims to improve public transport links in West and North West London, filling a gap in the orbital network. It is estimated to reduce car journeys by 650,000 annually and support the development of over 25,000 new homes and 11,500 jobs within its first decade of operation.
The funding will accelerate technical work, including detailed design, environmental assessments, and demand forecasting, in preparation for a public consultation in summer 2026. A key decision point is anticipated by the end of 2027, which will determine whether to seek statutory powers to proceed to the construction phase. The West London Orbital is a priority project for TfL, alongside others like the Bakerloo line extension, albeit on a smaller scale.
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: "I'm delighted and proud to bring partners together to deliver the missing piece of the public transport jigsaw for north and north west London. Adding a new line to our brilliant London Overground network will not only help drive regeneration and economic growth along the new route but will benefit our great city as a whole." TfL's Alex Williams noted that the West London Orbital has the potential to transform travel, supporting housing and job growth.
The project runs parallel to wider West London regeneration plans, aiming to enhance transport accessibility and foster economic prosperity. Local leaders emphasise that the West London Orbital will connect communities, unlock development opportunities, provide sustainable travel options for residents, and support long-term regional growth.
