New London Overground line planned for west London
Key Points
- TfL plans a new Overground service between Hounslow and Hendon
- The line would use the freight-only Dudding Hill line
- Four new stations planned at Neasden, Harlesden, Old Oak Common Lane and Lionel Road
- The route arcs around London, avoiding changes in the centre
- Public consultation closes on 18 November 2026
Transport for London plans a new Overground service between Hounslow and Hendon, with four new stations.
Transport for London (TfL) has opened a public consultation on the West London Orbital (WLO), which would form a new part of the London Overground network.
The service would run on existing rail lines that currently see little use, including the Dudding Hill line, which only freight trains use today.
TfL plans four new stations along the route:
- Neasden
- Harlesden
- Old Oak Common Lane
- Lionel Road
Several existing stations on the route would also need new platforms, entrances or other upgrades to handle WLO trains.
The line takes its name from its route, which would arc around west and northwest London instead of running into the centre. TfL said this would let passengers travel between outer London areas without changing trains in central London.
Growth areas along the route
TfL said parts of west London currently lack convenient rail links or realistic alternatives to driving. It plans direct services between key town centres and several Opportunity Areas, which the Mayor’s London Plan identifies as having significant potential for new homes, jobs and infrastructure.
The Opportunity Areas that TfL expects to benefit most from the line include:
- Old Oak and Park Royal
- Brent Cross and Cricklewood
- Wembley
- Burnt Oak and Colindale
- Heathrow
- Great West Corridor
TfL said the WLO would bring more frequent services, better accessibility and relief for busy rail and road routes. It also expects the line to cut road emissions by giving people an alternative to car journeys.
The transport body said it chose existing rail corridors to reduce disruption, keep construction impacts low and deliver good value for money.
TfL developed the plans with the London Boroughs of Barnet, Brent, Ealing and Hounslow, alongside the West London Alliance and the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation. Network Rail and other development partners also worked on the proposals.
The consultation closes on 18 November 2026, and TfL said it would hold further public consultations as the project progresses.
