A major upgrade to the DLR route is edging closer to reality, with the government anticipated to authorise a £1.7 billion Docklands Light Railway extension in the Autumn Budget.
Still, the scheme would give South East London a long-overdue boost, connecting Thamesmead and Beckton Riverside directly to the wider London transport network, if verified.
For Londoners, especially those living around the Thames, this could be one of the most significant public transport advancements in recent times.
A Long-Awaited Step Forward for South East London
The DLR extension has been talked about for times, but former attempts to secure backing fell flat. This time, still, the effects appear much more promising.
A Treasury source has hinted that the project is likely to get the go-ahead, describing it as one that will deliver “much-needed new homes, new jobs, and quicker commutes.”
City Hall is confident, too. The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has constantly pushed for the upgrade, calling it essential for unleashing growth and easing long-standing transport inequalities.
The extension is expected to:
- Support 30,000 new homes
- Create around 10,000 new jobs
- Improve connections for areas long cut off from rail services
- Strengthen links to Central London, Stratford and Canary Wharf
Where the New DLR Route Will Run?
At the moment, Thamesmead remains one of London’s most insulated communities when it comes to rail transport. There’s no Tube station, no Overground, and no direct DLR service. Most residents rely on buses to reach Abbey Wood for the Elizabeth line.
The new DLR route plan would change that dramatically. The proposal includes:
- Extending the line beyond Gallions Reach
- Building a new DLR station at Beckton Riverside
- Constructing a new tunnel beneath the River Thames
- Opening a second brand-new station in Thamesmead
There’s also the eventuality for the line to continue further into Bexley in the times to come, perfecting connectivity across a wider part of south-east London.
Faster Journeys Across the Capital
If the new extension goes ahead, travel times to key parts of London would be noticeably faster. According to early estimates:
- Thamesmead → Stratford: 25–30 minutes (currently 45–55 mins)
- Thamesmead → Liverpool Street: 35–40 minutes (currently around 60 mins)
For commuters and scholars who presently endure long, complicated routes to reach work or university, this would be a genuine game-changer.
When Will the DLR Extension Open?
Backing is anticipated to be verified in the forthcoming budget, with construction costs estimated at £1.7 billion. Once approved, the design is read to open by 2032.
While that’s still some time down, there are interim advancements on the horizon. To help bridge the gap, the Mayor has promised a new Superloop express machine route, launching in January, linking:
- Abbey Wood
- Thamesmead
- Woolwich
- North Greenwich
This aims to give residents quicker access to key stations while the DLR works begin.
Local Leaders Welcome the Move
Support for the project has been loud and clear. 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.
Fantastic news for London: the DLR Extension to Thamesmead is going ahead with backing from the Government.
It’s something I’ve long called for, and will create jobs for Londoners and help deliver tens of thousands of homes in London.
— Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan (@MayorofLondon) November 20, 2025
The project is a win-win and a massive vote of confidence in London. It will not only transform travel in a historically underserved part of the capital, but also unlock thousands of new jobs and homes, boosting the economy not just locally but nationally.
I look forward to working hand in hand with Ministers to deliver this vital project as we continue building a more prosperous London for everyone.”
Abena Oppong-Asare, MP for Erith and Thamesmead: “This is a huge step forward for Thamesmead. For too long, residents have been cut off from the transport links that much of London takes for granted.
The DLR extension will finally change that, opening up access to jobs, education and opportunities across the capital.
“This breakthrough belongs to everyone who backed the campaign, residents, community groups and partners across London. Now we need confirmation in the Budget and a clear path to delivery, because Thamesmead has waited long enough.”
London Assembly Member Len Duvall added that the precedence now is securing backing swiftly and pushing ahead with planning.
For numerous people living in south east London, this isn’t just another transport design, it’s a long overdue investment in communities that have been neglected for decades.
The new DLR stations, better London trip connections, and better access to work and education could reshape the area’s future.
If the extension is officially confirmed next week, it will mark the start of a huge moment for the Docklands Light Railway and for thousands who rely on public transport every day.
