West London Could Soon Get a New Overground Line

West London Could Soon Get a New Overground Line

West London may be on the brink of a major public transport upgrade, with plans for a brand new London Overground route moving a step closer to reality. The proposed West London Orbital has received fresh momentum after Mayor of London Sadiq Khan’s draft budget set aside £400,000 to help progress the project’s business case.

The funding, confirmed in the Mayor’s draft budget, will be provided by the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC), a Mayoral Development Corporation. The money has been ringfenced specifically to support further development of the proposed rail line.

City Hall estimates the West London Orbital could deliver a significant economic boost, creating thousands of new jobs and homes and generating around £300 million in economic benefits over its first decade of operation.

Commenting on the plans, the Mayor of London said he was “delighted” to see progress being made on the project, highlighting its potential to improve public transport connectivity while driving economic growth across West London.

If approved, the West London Orbital would operate as the seventh branch of the London Overground, running from Hounslow to Hendon and West Hampstead via Old Oak Common Lane. The line would largely use existing rail infrastructure, including the currently freight-only Dudding Hill line.

Under the proposed plans, trains would run from Hounslow to Neasden, with a possible additional branch serving Kew Bridge. From Neasden, the route would split into two branches: one heading north to Hendon and the other east to West Hampstead Thameslink.

The new line would create 10 unique interchanges with key parts of London’s transport network, including Thameslink services, the Jubilee, Bakerloo and existing Overground lines. A future interchange at Old Oak Common would also connect passengers with HS2, the Elizabeth line and the nearby Central line at Acton Central.

Funding for the scheme would need to come from a mix of local contributions, central government, Transport for London and the Greater London Authority. Public consultation will also be required before any major decisions are finalised.

If the project receives ministerial approval, construction could begin as early as next year. Subject to funding and approvals, TfL says passenger services could be running by the 2030s.