A 'new' London Overground line for West London has moved a step closer, now a funding deal has been agreed.
The line, currently known as the West London Orbital, would link Hendon and Hounslow, offering ten new interchanges with National Rail and Tube links, and the creation of four new stations.
As of early March 2026, TfL, the London Boroughs of Barnet, Brent, Ealing and Hounslow, and the Old Oak & Park Royal Development Corporation have jointly agreed to commit "up to £6.65m" to move the project into the next phase. That includes the design of stations and other infrastructure, modelling, and a public consultation ahead of a 2027 decision.
While that sounds like a decent chunk of cash — and it is — it represents a fraction of the eventual costs. Estimates in 2021 put the project at "between £430m and £610m" and, as we know, these things rarely stay within budget.
The West London Orbital route would run on existing tracks currently used for freight trains. Up to six trains an hour would serve areas including Brent Cross, Neasden and Acton. If approved, the line is expected to open somewhere in the early-to-mid 2030s.
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said:
I’m pleased and proud to bring partners together so we can deliver the missing link in public transport for the north and northwest part of the capital. Adding a new line to our fantastic London Overground network will help drive regeneration and economic growth not only along the new route but across our great city. I look forward to seeing the homes, jobs and opportunities unlocked by this innovative rail project as we continue building a better, greener, more prosperous London for everyone.
Find out more about the West London Orbital in our guide.
