West London Orbital

We're making plans for a new rail service on existing, underused rail lines in west London that would become part of the London Overground network. The West London Orbital rail service would run from Hounslow towards Hendon and West Hampstead in the north.

The aim of this work is set out in the Mayor's Transport Strategy.

Proposed scheme

The objectives of the West London Orbital service are:

Public transport connections in outer London

Improve public transport services to and between major trip destinations in west and northwest London (for example, town centres and Opportunity Areas at Old Oak/Park Royal, Burnt Oak/Colindale, Brent Cross/Cricklewood, Wembley and the Great West Corridor) to support a shift towards active, efficient and sustainable modes of transport.

It would also enhance west and northwest London's continued economic growth and competitiveness.

New homes and jobs

Enable and optimise the delivery of new homes and jobs in west and northwest London in line with the principles of good growth

Public transport capacity

Enhance public transport capacity in west and northwest London to relieve pressure on existing corridors and ensure the resilience of the public transport network as population and the economy grows.

Wider economic, environmental and social benefits

Reduce social, economic and spatial inequalities and widen access to jobs, town centres and local amenities, enhance local environmental quality and help tackle the causes and consequences of climate change.

The West London Orbital would offer a range of benefits for west London and beyond, including:

  • Significant journey time savings and improved interchange opportunities
  • Better access to jobs, services and open spaces
  • An attractive and accessible alternative to driving, to help relieve road congestion and improve air quality
  • Support for the delivery of new homes and local regeneration

The potential route

The West London Orbital service would use existing rail lines, including the Dudding Hill line - this is currently used for freight services only. The scheme would provide new stations on the Dudding Hill line, as well as additional platforms and facilities at other existing stations along the route.

Our strategic narrative document is an overview of what the scheme is, what it aims to achieve and a summary of the benefits of the scheme for west London.

Progress so far

We're working closely with the West London Alliance, our West London borough partners and Network Rail to develop the case for the scheme, explore the engineering and timetable feasibility and identify funding opportunities.

Work completed so far shows that a new rail service is the best option to meet our objectives. During 2023 we will finish our initial feasibility work which will identify a recommended route and service frequency for the West London Orbital.

Next steps

The feasibility work will also give us a robust cost estimate and assessment of the scheme benefits - this will help us make recommendations for developing the design and securing approvals needed for implementation.

If funding can be identified - and we get all approvals needed for the scheme - then services could start in the early 2030s.

All proposals will be subject to future public consultation before any major decisions are made.