London rail line not used for over 100 years could be revived

A rail line not used by passengers for more than a century could be revived to create a new ‘orbital’ metro in west London.

City Hall claims London Overground services linking Hounslow with Hendon and West Hampstead could kickstart the building of 20,000 homes.

Mayor Sadiq Khan today adopted the proposed West London Orbital Rail scheme as part of his transport strategy for the next 25 years.

The scheme would see a high frequency metro-style service on a little used freight line between Acton and Hendon.

The trains would stop at Brent Cross shopping centre and the Old Oak Common interchange with HS2.

The proposal involves upgrading and electrifying the existing line and building new stations at Harlesden, Neasden and Old Oak Common.

The transport strategy makes no mention of how the £264m scheme would be funded.

Part of the route is currently served by existing services.