Public Consultation Shows Strong Support for DLR Extension to Thamesmead

A public consultation has shown strong backing for proposals to extend the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to Thamesmead, with most respondents supporting both the route and the proposed new stations.

Transport for London (TfL) said that around 75% of the 1,444 responses supported the preferred route for the extension from Gallions Reach. A similar proportion backed the proposed location of the new Thamesmead station, while support for the Beckton Riverside station site was slightly lower at 66%.

The consultation also highlighted interest in extending the line further beyond Thamesmead, with respondents suggesting potential routes towards Abbey Wood or Bexley. TfL confirmed that although the current priority is delivering the Thamesmead extension, the design would allow for future expansion. Previous assessments have ruled out an extension to Abbey Wood on cost grounds, though an onward route towards Belvedere in Bexley has been identified as a possible option.

The government has indicated its support for the project in the recent Budget, enabling the Greater London Authority (GLA) and TfL to increase borrowing to fund the scheme. However, detailed arrangements for financing the extension are still being developed.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan welcomed the government’s backing, describing the project as transformative for an area that has historically lacked high-quality public transport. He said the extension would help unlock new housing and employment opportunities, delivering economic benefits locally and nationally, and pledged to work closely with ministers to progress the scheme.

A further public consultation is planned for 2026, ahead of TfL submitting a Transport and Works Act Order application to the Secretary of State for Transport by the end of that year. Subject to approvals, construction could begin in the late 2020s, with the new line and stations opening in the early 2030s.

The proposals include a new station at Beckton Riverside and a tunnel beneath the River Thames linking to a second new station at Thamesmead. The scheme would also require a turnback siding west of the extension to support future service increases on both the Thamesmead branch and the DLR’s eastern route. Possible locations identified in early consultations include Canning Town and Royal Victoria, though no final decision has been made.

Once operational, the extension would connect two designated Opportunity Areas and is expected to support the delivery of between 25,000 and 30,000 new homes, create around 10,000 jobs, and attract close to £18 billion in private investment. TfL anticipates running services every 8–10 minutes throughout the day from both Thamesmead and Beckton, almost doubling the current frequency between Gallions Reach and Canning Town.