Plans to develop the new West London Orbital (WLO) transport line are making significant progress. The project aims to revive an abandoned railway line and integrate it into London’s Overground network. This week, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan announced that the 2026/27 budget will allocate £400,000 to advance the business case for the line, marking an important step towards realising this long-discussed initiative.
The WLO is one of three key transport projects Khan prioritised, alongside the extension of the Bakerloo line and the long-awaited development of the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to Thamesmead. If completed, the WLO will connect various areas of north and west London, linking Hounslow to Hendon and West Hampstead via Old Oak Common. This route would utilize an old freight line that has not been in passenger service since 1902.
The estimated cost of constructing the new line ranges from £430 million to £610 million. Given this financial requirement, the allocation of funds from City Hall is crucial for creating a viable business case that could attract further investment and government support. The anticipated economic benefits of the WLO are substantial, potentially generating around £300 million for the local economy in its first decade and unlocking thousands of new homes and jobs in areas like Harlesden and Hounslow.
The recent funding announcement has revitalised hopes for the West London Orbital project. Bassam Mahfouz, a Labour member of the London Assembly for Ealing and Hillingdon, expressed optimism, stating that the WLO is no longer “some distant pipe dream.” He noted that if the project receives government approval, construction could begin as early as next year, with trains possibly running in the early 2030s.
As London continues to evolve, the West London Orbital is seen as a vital component of the city’s transport infrastructure, promising to enhance connectivity and support local communities. The next steps will involve detailed planning and coordination with transport authorities to ensure the project’s success. With the right financial backing, this ambitious project could soon become a reality, offering modern transport solutions for the growing population of London.
