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An extension of the DLR has been talked about for yonks. Now, it’s finally set to become a reality. Five years after it was formally proposed (and more than a decade since it was first mooted), the huge expansion is expected to be granted approval in the government’s Budget next week.
Besides the HS2 station at Old Oak Common, the DLR’s transformation is likely to the biggest upgrade to the London transport network in the next decade. Officials say that it’ll bring a massive boost to the southeast of the city, unlocking up to 25,000 homes and 10,000 jobs. The downside is that it may put other major projects, namely the Bakerloo line extension and West London Orbital rail link, on the back-burner.
In response to the announcement Sadiq Khan said: ‘I’m really pleased that the government is backing the DLR extension to Thamesmead - something I’ve long called for alongside London’s businesses and communities. The project is a win-win and a massive vote of confidence in London.’
Here are all the latest updates on the long-awaited DLR extension.
Has the DLR extension been officially approved?
Not quite yet. Chancellor Rachel Reeves will announce her Budget on November 26 and is expected to commit a small amount of government funding to the project.
A spokesperson from the Treasury said: ‘This Budget will choose growth over austerity by supporting renewal in every part of the country. Extending the DLR to Thamesmead will deliver much-needed new homes, new jobs, and quicker commutes – the building blocks for boosting growth, putting more pounds in pockets.’
Where will the DLR be extended to?
The project will see the DLR extended from Beckton to Thamesmead, an area that currently has no train or tube station and is one of London’s worst-connected areas. At the moment Thamesmead residents have to catch a bus to Abbey Wood or Woolwich in order to access the DLR or Elizabeth line.
The plan is for the DLR’s Beckton line to branch off at Gallions Reach, travelling via Beckton Riverside and then under the Thames to a Thamesmead. It would nearly halve the travel time from Thamesmead to Stratford to around 25-30 minutes, and the journey to Canary Wharf would be cut down to roughly 20-25 minutes. There’ll be two new stations built as part of the project – one at Gallions Reach and one at Thamesmead.
When will the DLR extension be complete?
Construction is anticipated to start in 2027, and Sadiq Khan said that he’s confident it’ll be ready to open by 2032.
How much will it cost?
The whole thing is expected to cost a grand £1.7 billion. For the most part, it’s likely to be covered through borrowing by TfL and the Greater London Authority.
London travel disruption this weekend: full list of tube and train closures for November 21-23 2025.
Plus: the next 17 London tube stations set to get step-free access.
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