Ealing Council has joined partners across west London in backing a £6.65m funding package to progress plans for a new London Overground route that could transform transport links across the borough and wider region.
Transport for London (TfL), the boroughs of Barnet, Brent, Ealing and Hounslow, and the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) have agreed to jointly fund the next stage of development for the proposed West London Orbital railway.
The project would create a new passenger route using existing freight lines between Hendon and Hounslow, linking key areas including Neasden, Harlesden, Old Oak Common, Acton, Brentford and Hounslow. Trains could run up to six times an hour.
If delivered, the line would provide ten new interchanges with rail and Underground services and include four new stations at Old Oak Common Lane, Neasden, Harlesden and Lionel Road. The route is intended to better connect town centres and employment hubs across west and north-west London.
The £6.65m funding will support detailed design work for stations and infrastructure, modelling of the proposed service and preparation for public consultation expected in summer 2026. A decision on whether to seek statutory powers to build the railway is expected in 2027.
TfL said the project could help unlock more than 25,000 new homes and 11,500 jobs while encouraging around 650,000 fewer car journeys each year. It would also strengthen links to the future Old Oak Common transport hub, which will connect HS2 with the Elizabeth line and other services.
The cost of developing the next stage of the project will be split equally between TfL and the partner boroughs alongside the OPDC. TfL’s share will be spread across the 2025 to 2028 financial years, including £400,000 from the Mayor of London’s 2026-27 budget.
Councillor Peter Mason, leader of Ealing Council, said: “The West London Orbital is a welcome step toward an even better-connected borough. It would mean local people would find it easier to find work and training, by using a sustainable travel choice – helping us fulfil our ambitions of creating good jobs, tackling the climate crisis, and fighting inequality.”
Alex Williams, TfL’s chief customer and strategy officer, said: “The West London Orbital has the potential to transform how people travel across west and northwest London. This funding allows us to take the next major step in developing the scheme, working closely with boroughs, the West London Alliance and Network Rail to build a detailed, evidence-based case for delivery.”
He added: “Improving orbital connections will support new homes, unlock jobs and give more people access to fast, reliable public transport.”
Matthew Carpen, chief executive officer of OPDC, said: “We’re pleased to be supporting the West London Orbital, a project that will play a vital role in connecting communities and unlocking new opportunities in the region.
“As part of the wider transformation of Old Oak and Park Royal, this investment advances our vision for long term prosperity and inclusive growth in west London and beyond.”
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said the line would help “deliver the missing link in public transport for the north and northwest part of the capital” while driving regeneration and economic growth across the city.
