Plans for a new rail service in West London are taking a positive step forward, Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, confirms. 

The West London Orbtial, first proposed in 2018, would run from Hounslow to Acton, Old Oak Common, and Neasden, with sections going to West Hampstead and Hendon. 

The line would use existing railway lines and official estimates suggest it would take just 37 minutes, almost a third of the time as the journey would take at present (90 minutes). 

London Assembly member Elly Baker posed a written question to Khan for Mayor's Question Time asking for an update on the project and the feasibility study which was being undertaken. 

The proposed route of the West London Orbital. Photo: TfL.

Khan said: "Following agreement of the feasibility funding last year, several studies, funded primarily by the west London boroughs, are underway or planned.  

"Timetable assessment undertaken by Network Rail is nearing completion and has identified that a viable West London Orbital service is expected to be achievable.  

"A contract for engineering design support is expected to be awarded shortly, following a competitive procurement process.  

"Procurement of consultant teams to support transport modelling and economics/revenue assessment is also ongoing. 

"These workstreams, alongside work undertaken by Transport for London colleagues, will lead to an updated business case for the scheme and confirmation of the stations to be served, train frequency and traction power, and will allow other strategic decisions to be made early next year.  

"Work will also continue in parallel on funding and finance options for the further development and delivery of the scheme." 

The TfL website says that once funding is obtained for the project, the service could begin operation in the early 2030s, but there would be a further public consultation before major decisions are made. 

The website says: "We're working closely with the West London Alliance, our West London borough partners and Network Rail to develop the case for the scheme, explore the engineering and timetable feasibility and identify funding opportunities. 

"Work completed so far shows that a new rail service is the best option to meet our objectives. During 2023 we will finish our initial feasibility work which will identify a recommended route and service frequency for the West London Orbital."