A planned Docklands Light Railway (DLR) extension to Thamesmead could be a "game changer" for east London, according to Transport for London (TfL). The project is expected to deliver up to 30,000 new homes, 10,000 jobs, and generate £15.6 billion in economic growth.
Consultation Now Open
The proposals, which have been opened to public consultation, include two new stations at Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead Waterfront. TfL says the extension could reduce journey times to central London to around 30 minutes while unlocking 145 hectares of brownfield land for development.
The £1.5 billion scheme was previously costed by Fay Hammond, chief finance officer at the Greater London Authority, during a budget committee meeting earlier this year. The government has pledged to contribute toward the cost, but the exact amount is currently unknown.
Funding and Timeline
The bulk of the funding will come from loans taken out by the Greater London Authority against future increases in business rates, and by TfL against future fares income. First trains on the route are expected to start running in 2033, with construction beginning in 2029, subject to approval.
Alex Williams, TfL’s Chief Customer and Strategy Officer, said the plans would be a "game changer" for east London, providing fast connections to central London from areas that have lacked direct rail access for decades.
Impact on Development
Thamesmead Waterfront and Beckton Riverside are among the largest remaining brownfield sites in London, but their potential has been limited by the absence of direct rail links. The extension would involve a new tunnel beneath the Thames, similar to the one used for the DLR extension to Woolwich Arsenal in 2009.
Earlier considerations to extend the line to Abbey Wood to connect with the Elizabeth Line were ruled out due to significantly higher costs and feasibility and environmental concerns, according to Mayor of London Sadiq Khan.
Mayor's Statement
Mayor Khan said: "I’m really pleased to be progressing our exciting plans for the DLR extension to Thamesmead, following Government backing in the Budget last autumn. This is something I’ve long called for—alongside London’s businesses and communities—because it will not only transform travel in a historically underserved part of our city, but also unlock thousands of new jobs and homes, boosting the economy across the capital and indeed the country."
He encouraged Londoners to participate in the consultation and help shape the plans as the city continues building a greener, better, more prosperous London for everyone.
Partners and Consultation Details
TfL is working with the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Newham Council, the Greater London Authority, and other partners on the project. The consultation seeks views on station designs, construction plans, material transport, and impacts on local communities and the environment. It runs until Thursday, July 16, 2026.
