Plans for a transformative new railway line in the capital have received a significant financial push, moving the project closer to reality. The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has ringfenced £400,000 in his draft budget to progress the business case for the West London Orbital, a proposed new branch of the London Overground.
Funding and Economic Potential
The allocated funding, confirmed for the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC), is earmarked for the "further development" of the rail scheme. City Hall estimates the project could deliver a substantial economic windfall, generating approximately £300 million in its first decade while supporting the creation of thousands of new jobs and homes.
"I am delighted that we are moving forward with our plans for the West London Orbital that will improve public transport and deliver economic growth," said the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan.
The Proposed Route and Stations
The West London Orbital is designed as a seventh branch for the London Overground network. It would primarily utilise existing rail infrastructure, including the currently freight-only Dudding Hill line.
The core route would run from Hounslow to Hendon and West Hampstead, via Old Oak Common Lane. Trains would travel from Hounslow to Neasden, with a potential spur branching off to Kew Bridge. From Neasden, the line would split into two branches: one heading to Hendon and the other to West Hampstead Thameslink.
A key benefit of the scheme is its integration with London's wider transport web. The route would create 10 new unique interchanges with other services, including Thameslink, the Jubilee line, the Bakerloo line, and existing Overground stations. A future interchange at Old Oak Common would also link to HS2 and the Elizabeth line.
Timeline and Next Steps
While this funding marks a crucial step, the project's future hinges on securing full financial backing. Resources would need to be drawn from a combination of local sources, national Government, Transport for London (TfL), and the Greater London Authority (GLA).
Public consultation on all proposals must also be conducted before any major decisions are finalised. If the project gains the necessary ministerial approvals, construction could potentially begin as early as next year. According to TfL, provided funding and all approvals are secured, passenger services on the West London Orbital could commence in the 2030s.
