Overview
- The Chancellor is expected to approve Treasury support that lets TfL secure loans to deliver the c.£1.7–£1.9bn project rather than receive full upfront funding.
- The route would branch after Gallions Reach, add a Beckton Riverside station, and tunnel under the Thames to a new Thamesmead terminus.
- Construction is pencilled in to start in 2027–2028 with opening targeted for 2032, subject to final approvals and financing terms.
- Projections suggest the scheme could enable about 25,000–30,000 new homes and roughly 10,000 jobs, drawing substantial private investment.
- TfL forecasts cut journey times from Thamesmead to around 20–25 minutes to Canary Wharf and 25–30 minutes to Stratford, as other mayoral rail priorities are likely to stay on the back burner.