A new West London Orbital rail line is set to be created – and would pass through Acton.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan announced it would be included in his long-term transport strategy for the capital. The line would connect Hounslow with Cricklewood and Hendon, and would go via South Acton, Acton Central, and Old Oak stations.

It would form part of the London Overground network and would follow the route of the North Circular Road and the M4. The aim is to help local people to get around quickly and cost effectively, while helping to relieve the congested road network.

The plan was proposed by a partnership of the seven west London councils, including Ealing, called West London Alliance; and it will be taken forward with Transport for London and Network Rail. The work has been led by the West London Economic Prosperity Board, a cross-party joint committee of council leaders working together to promote the economic success of the area.

Ealing Council leader Julian Bell is chairman of the West London Economic Prosperity Board. He said: “This is a victory for the boroughs across west London, and for London as a whole. It is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together around a shared vision for growth. The West London Orbital Rail Line will unlock huge opportunities for residents and businesses. It will also allow people from all our communities to get around without being reliant on the heavily congested road network and help to reduce levels of air pollution.”

The Mayor of London said the new line could potentially support the building of 20,000 new homes in the area.

Ealing Council’s chief executive Paul Najsarek added: “This announcement from City Hall follows an extensive period of joint working by west London boroughs around a shared vision for improving economic outcomes and encouraging good growth for businesses and residents.

“This shows that local government really can make a difference for the better and at scale when it works together, even during times of highly constrained budgets. We are looking forward to working with colleagues in our boroughs, at the GLA, TfL and Network Rail to make this exciting scheme a reality.”