Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has included plans for a West London Orbital railway line in his upcoming transport strategy for the next 25 years.
The introduction of the West London Orbital railway would improve public transport links in the region and connect western parts of London directly to the north of the city. Currently, underground users typically have to travel through the centre to make these journeys.
Khan’s proposal suggests that new orbital connections to the London Overground service could also support significant growth in west of the city. In fact, the city estimates that the new West London Orbital railway line could support the delivery of some 20,000 additional homes and increase growth in employment in the city.
Where would the new railway line go?
The line would connect a number of stations in west London, and make use of some stations which are currently out of use. It would stretch from Hounslow to Cricklewood, connecting stations including:
- Hendon;
- Old Oak Common;
- Harlesden;
- Neasden; and
- Brent Cross.
The mayor’s proposal for the service highlights that utilising new and existing orbital connections in west London could also improve public transport connections in the city centre by encouraging those travelling between north and west London by bypassing them.
It reads: “Most Londoners want to move around London – rather than in and out of the centre – every day, and the London Overground supports this type of travel. London Overground train service improvements are therefore needed to support new jobs and housing throughout inner London and parts of outer London.”
Will the new line be sustainable?
The West London Economic Prosperity Board is reported to have met with Transport for London (TfL) and the West London Alliance to discuss the possibility of electric trains being used to service the route and offer an alternative to diesel trains.
Further, the new West London Orbital railway line is expected to make use of the Dudding Hill line, which has been out of use for a number of years. By reusing existing facilities, the city hopes to avoid any unnecessary environmental consequences.
