New Hounslow to Hendon rail link on track after £6.6m deal

A major funding deal has been reached to progress the ‘West London Orbital’, a new London Overground line set to connect Hounslow and Brentford directly to north and north-west London.

Transport for London (TfL), Hounslow Council, three other west London boroughs and the Old Oak & Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) have committed £6.65 million to fast-track the design and public consultation phase of the project. This includes a £400,000 contribution from the mayor of London’s 2026/27 budget.

The proposed route uses existing, under-used freight lines to create a passenger service running up to six trains an hour. Across the full length of the new line, the project promises to unlock access to 11,500 new jobs and 25,000 homes.

In our borough, the project is expected to be a catalyst for the ‘Golden Mile’—the economic corridor along the A4—and provide better links to Brentford and Hounslow town centres, as well as Brentford FC’s stadium.

Hounslow Council Leader, Councillor Shantanu Rajawat, said: ‘‘The faster journeys, boost to business, and thousands of new homes and jobs which the West London Orbital unlocks will bring huge benefits and opportunities for communities across Hounslow.

‘‘It will directly support the transformation of London’s Golden Mile, one of the UK’s most important creative and economic corridors, and strengthen links to key local destinations, including Hounslow and Brentford town centres, Brentford Football Club and the wider cultural and employment opportunities along the A4. We’re fully behind the next phase of development.’’

The project includes plans for a brand-new station at Lionel Road in Brentford. Other new stations along the route include Old Oak Common Lane, Neasden, and Harlesden.

By connecting to the future Old Oak Common superhub, Hounslow passengers will gain easier access to HS2 and the Elizabeth line, significantly shortening journey times to north London and beyond. TfL estimates the new line will encourage 650,000 fewer car trips per year. The £6.65m funding is being split equally between TfL and local boroughs - with contributions from the London boroughs of Barnet, Brent, Ealing and Hounslow. TfL’s 50 per cent share is being provided over the 2025/26, 2026/27 and 2027/28 financial years.
Councillor Peter Mason, Leader of Ealing Council, added: ‘‘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. We look forward to the project’s continued development.’’ A full public consultation will be held to share detailed designs of the stations and infrastructure this summer and in late 2027, a final decision will be made on whether to seek the statutory powers (a Transport and Works Act Order) required to begin construction.