A planned DLR extension to Thamesmead could be a "game changer" for east London, delivering up to 30,000 new homes, 10,000 jobs and delivering £15.6 billion in economic growth, according to Transport for London (TfL).
The proposals, which have now been opened to public consultation, include two new stations at Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead Waterfront.
TfL says the extension could slash 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, at a budget committee meeting earlier this year.
The Government has promised to contribute towards the cost of building the extension, but the amount on offer is currently unknown.
The bulk of the funding will come from loans taken out by the GLA 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.
Subject to approval, construction of the extended line would begin in 2029.
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 gone decades without direct rail access.
While Thamesmead Waterfront and Beckton Riverside are among the largest remaining brownfield sites in London, their potential is restricted by a lack of direct rail links.
The extension would involve a new tunnel beneath the Thames, which has been used for other river crossings, including the DLR extension to Woolwich Arsenal in 2009.
It had previously emerged that TfL considered extending the line to Abbey Wood, which would have improved connections with the Elizabeth Line, but the latest proposals do not include the link, according to the plans.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said the option was ruled out due to significantly higher costs and feasibility and environmental concerns.
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The Mayor of London, Sadiq 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.
“I encourage Londoners to have their say in this detailed consultation and help shape these game-changing plans as we continue building a greener, better, more prosperous London for everyone.”
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, how materials would be transported to and from sites, and the impact on local communities and the environment.
It runs until Thursday 16 July 2026.