Overview
- Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to give the go-ahead next week by effectively underwriting the Docklands Light Railway spur to Thamesmead rather than providing the full cost upfront.
- The extension would branch from the Beckton line after Gallions Reach, add a Beckton Riverside station, tunnel under the Thames, and terminate at a new Thamesmead station.
- Project costs are reported at about £1.7bn, with some estimates up to £1.9bn, and TfL plans to repay long-term loans enabled by the Treasury guarantee.
- Construction is expected to begin in 2027 with opening targeted for the early 2030s, commonly cited as 2032, pending final Budget confirmation.
- Officials say the scheme could unlock 25,000–30,000 homes, create around 10,000 jobs, attract roughly £18bn in private investment, and cut journeys to hubs such as Stratford and Canary Wharf to about 25–30 and 20–25 minutes respectively.