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TfL Reveals £900 Million Cost of Proposed West London Orbital Railway

Monday, 26 October 2026 at 06:20

Transport for London has revealed that the proposed West London Orbital railway could cost up to £900 million. The new London Overground service would connect communities across west and north-west London, with construction potentially beginning in the early 2030s. A public consultation is open until 18 November 2026.

Proposed West London Orbital Railway Could Cost Up to £900 Million, TfL Reveals

Plans for a new London Overground railway connecting west and north-west London could cost as much as £900 million, according to figures released by Transport for London (TfL).

The proposed West London Orbital would introduce passenger trains along an 18.5-kilometre (11.5-mile) corridor that is currently used for freight services and has not carried a regular passenger service for more than a century.

The estimated cost was disclosed following a Freedom of Information request, as TfL launched a public consultation on the proposals.

If approved and funded, the railway could significantly improve connections between communities including Brent, Harlesden, Acton, Brentford and Hounslow.

What is the West London Orbital?

The West London Orbital is a proposed addition to the London Overground network, designed to improve journeys between west and north-west London without requiring passengers to travel through central London.

The scheme would make greater use of existing railway infrastructure, including lines currently used by freight trains.

TfL is considering a service frequency of between four and six trains per hour.

The proposals could create new travel opportunities for residents, commuters and businesses across several London boroughs.

Which stations could be served?

The route outlined in the report includes the following locations:

  • Hendon

  • Brent Cross West

  • Neasden

  • Harlesden

  • Old Oak Common Lane

  • North Acton

  • Old Oak Common

  • Acton Central

  • South Acton

  • Lionel Road

  • Kew Bridge

  • Brentford

  • Syon Lane

  • Isleworth

  • Hounslow

These locations form part of the proposed route and connections. The final stopping pattern and infrastructure arrangements have not yet been confirmed.

When could the new railway open?

Although the proposals are progressing through consultation, passengers could still face a lengthy wait before the first services begin.

According to the reported TfL timetable, construction could begin in the early 2030s at the earliest.

Passenger services would not be expected to start until the mid-2030s.

The project would also require further approvals, funding decisions and detailed planning before construction could proceed.

The £900 million figure is an estimated potential cost, rather than confirmation that the money has been committed.

Economic benefits for West London

Supporters of the scheme believe the new railway could help unlock economic opportunities across west and north-west London.

Estimates from City Hall suggest the West London Orbital could generate approximately £300 million in economic growth during its first ten years of operation.

The improved transport links could also support the development of thousands of new homes and jobs.

By connecting areas that currently require indirect public transport journeys, the scheme aims to improve access to employment, education and local services.

TfL launches public consultation

TfL has opened a public consultation to gather views on the proposed route and its potential benefits.

The consultation will remain open until 18 November 2026.

David Rowe, TfL's Director of Investment Planning, said:

"This consultation is an important opportunity for people to shape the future of this new London Overground route."

He added:

"By making better use of existing rail infrastructure, we can improve connections between communities and support growth across west and north-west London."

Deputy Mayor welcomes proposals

Seb Dance, London's Deputy Mayor for Transport, also welcomed the potential development.

He said the scheme would make use of a railway currently used only by freight trains to transform travel across north and north-west London.

The proposal forms part of wider efforts to improve public transport connectivity and support growth in the capital.

What happens next?

Following the consultation, TfL will consider public feedback before determining how the scheme should progress.

Any decision to proceed would depend on the necessary approvals and securing funding for the project.

For residents and businesses along the proposed route, the consultation offers an opportunity to influence plans that could reshape local transport connections over the coming decade.

Source: MyLondon / Get West London, Rafi Mauro-Benady, 24 October 2026, reporting TfL Freedom of Information figures and consultation proposals.

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