The huge new £3.2bn train line that would make the London Underground map even bigger

A huge new £3.2billion train line that would make the London Underground map even bigger has received fresh backing.

A partnership of nine eastern London boroughs has appointed consultants to look at how the region can boost its transport infrastructure.

The Local London group has already proposed extending the Elizabeth Line beyond Abbey Wood, towards Ebbsfleet and is hoping to receive Government backing.

Cllr Baroness O’Neill of Bexley OBE, Chairman of Local London and Leader of London Borough of Bexley said: “As the fastest growing part of London, we need investment in transport infrastructure to ensure residents can access work, education and leisure activities easily.”

The Campaign for Better Transport is among the groups backing the plans. Michael Solomon Williams, from Campaign for Better Transport, said: “The Elizabeth line has already proven the economic case for investing in rail by doubling its return on investment in two years. This extension would bring modern, sustainable travel to the region, as well as supporting the case for reopening Ebbsfleet International - much needed for international rail growth - and for the proposed tram network between Kent and Essex.”

But while there are currently no plans for Transport for London (TFL) to extend the line, Mayor Sadiq Khan has acknowledged such a move “could deliver benefits” for eastern parts of the city and beyond.

However, the Mayor said: “Many technical, operational and financial challenges would need to be resolved, including the need to demonstrate that such an extension would not impact on the operability of the Elizabeth line.”

Locals are already excited about possible links into Central London, improving connectivity between the two places.

Matthew Groves, branch manager at Robinson Jackson Ebbsfleet Garden City Estate Agents, told the Express he believes the possible extension will be “fantastic as it will provide swift connections to Heathrow, central London and beyond”.

He said: “I believe having the Elizabeth line extension brought to Ebbsfleet would be fantastic. As the population in Ebbsfleet is increasing dramatically, another connection would deliver substantially more opportunities for potential growth alongside future development. The line is fantastic as it will provide swift connections to Heathrow, central London and beyond.

“The Ebbsfleet International station is large and was built to accommodate all the future growth. Being a stone’s throw from Bluewater and having everything on your doorstep with the awaited ‘rapid transit route’ will increase its appeal and offer prospective homeowners that idyllic lifestyle with walkable streets, open green areas and great transport links. This will be very inviting to prospective buyers located at present more centrally to London so they can potentially have their cake and eat it.”

Ebbsfleet local Wayne Gurney said: “I believe having the Elizabeth line extension brought to Ebbsfleet would be a great thing for the area and I am in full support.

“It will make the area a lot more accessible for people travelling into and out of London. 

“This will help provide more affordable transport links for the community.”

Conservative London Assembly Member for Bexley and Bromley Thomas Turrell is also calling for a DLR extension to come to Belvedere providing Thamesmead with a direct connection to the Elizabeth line as well.

Cllr Turrell said: "Extending the Elizabeth Line to Ebbsfleet via Erith, Belvedere and Slade Green would be transformative for these towns and provide a shot in the arm of the local economy. 

“It would give local residents and businesses access to faster and more reliable train services and improve connectivity. I have also been calling for the planned DLR extension to come to Belvedere which would then provide Thamesmead with a direct connection to the Elizabeth line as well. Finally correcting the historic mistakes around lack of rail connections in Thamesmead. All of this would unlock huge economic potential in South-East London."