Nearly 200 Businesses Back Proposed West London Orbital Railway

Nearly 200 businesses and organisations, including Sky, IKEA and Octopus Energy, have urged the Chancellor to support the proposed West London Orbital railway. The 18.5-kilometre route would connect Hendon and Hounslow, potentially creating thousands of jobs, supporting new homes and improving transport links across West London.

Nearly 200 businesses and organisations have joined forces to call on the Chancellor to support a proposed new railway across West London, arguing that the project could unlock thousands of jobs, new homes and significant economic growth.

Major companies including Sky, Octopus Energy, IKEA and SEGRO have signed a joint letter urging the Government to work with Transport for London (TfL) and local authorities to secure funding for the West London Orbital railway.

The proposed 18.5-kilometre route would connect Hendon in north-west London with Hounslow in the west, creating new public transport connections between communities and employment centres.

The appeal comes ahead of the forthcoming Budget, with supporters calling for the Government to help move the project from planning towards construction.

Major businesses and universities back the scheme

The letter has attracted support from a wide range of organisations representing business, education and leisure.

Alongside Sky, Octopus Energy, IKEA and SEGRO, signatories include Imperial College London, Brunel University, Middlesex University and the University of West London.

Brentford Football Club has also signed the letter.

Wembley Stadium and the Rugby Football Union have separately expressed support for the proposed railway.

The campaign has been coordinated by the West London Alliance, a partnership representing seven London boroughs.

Supporters argue that improved rail connections would benefit businesses, workers, students and residents while strengthening West London's wider economy.

Four new stations proposed

The West London Orbital railway would cover approximately 18.5 kilometres and could operate up to six trains per hour.

The plans include four proposed new stations:

• Neasden

• Harlesden

• Old Oak Common Lane

• Lionel Road

The railway would largely make use of existing infrastructure, including the freight-only Dudding Hill line, alongside improvements to connecting railway routes.

New passenger stations, upgraded infrastructure and additional trains would be required.

If approved and constructed, the route would become part of the London Overground network, although its eventual line name has yet to be decided.

More than 25,000 homes and 11,500 jobs could be supported

Supporters believe the railway could deliver significant economic and environmental benefits.

According to estimates promoted by the project's backers, improved connectivity could help support the development of more than 25,000 homes and 11,500 jobs.

The scheme could also encourage more people to use public transport rather than private vehicles.

An estimated 650,000 car journeys could be avoided each year if the railway is delivered.

These figures are projected benefits rather than confirmed outcomes.

Better connections to Old Oak Common and HS2

Another major advantage highlighted by supporters is the proposed connection to the future Old Oak Common transport hub.

The new station is being developed as an interchange between HS2, the Elizabeth line and other rail services.

The West London Orbital railway could make it easier for people living and working across West London to access the hub without travelling into central London first.

Supporters say this would improve journeys between residential areas, major employment locations and transport interchanges.

Could open by 2035

TfL has previously indicated that construction could begin in the early 2030s, provided the necessary funding and approvals are secured.

Passenger services could potentially begin by 2035.

However, the railway has not yet received final approval or full construction funding.

Earlier in 2026, TfL and its partners agreed a funding package of up to £6.65 million to support the next stage of the project.

This money will fund further design, modelling, assessments and public consultation.

The additional work will help inform a decision expected in 2027 on whether to seek the statutory powers required to build the railway.

Businesses call for Government investment

The pre-Budget letter calls on ministers to work alongside TfL, the Greater London Authority, the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation and local councils.

The organisations want the Government to support the investment needed to turn the railway proposal into a functioning passenger service.

The campaign reflects growing pressure from businesses and local authorities to improve orbital transport connections across West London.

Unlike many existing rail routes that primarily connect outer London with central London, the proposed service would provide additional journeys between neighbouring areas.

Public consultation remains open

Residents, businesses and commuters still have an opportunity to comment on the proposals.

TfL's public consultation is open until 18 November 2026.

Feedback will help shape the next stages of planning and assessment.

The proposed West London Orbital railway remains subject to funding decisions, further development work and the necessary approvals.

If delivered, supporters believe it could transform travel across West London and provide a major boost to the area's economy.