A consultation period has now opened for locals and Londoners to have their say on TfL’s (Transport for London) proposed plans to extend the DLR network to Thamesmead.

Current plans involve extending the DLR system from Gallions Reach to a new station at Beckton Riverside, which is to be situated close to the Shopping Park in Gallions Reach, before passing under the Thames and terminating at another new station on the waterfront in Thamesmead.

Both Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead Waterfront are on substantial brownfield sites earmarked for development, which include support for thousands of 30,000 new homes and 10,000 jobs. Plans for extending the DLR to Thamesmead began in 2020, while proposals for new homes and jobs were backed by the Government and residents last year. A New Town proposal for Thamesmead is part of a separate Government consultation.

It is estimated that the outer reaches of East London, especially on the south side of the River Thames, which do not at present have a rail link, will benefit from direct services into the east end of London via the interchange hub at Stratford.

The consultation on the DLR extension will include local drop-in events where plans for the proposed route and the two new stations will be available to view, along with face-to-face discussions with the project team for those who want to raise concerns on a range of topics, including environmental impact and construction.

Letters and Leaflets will also be posted to residents as part of the process, while the responses can also be submitted via the ‘Have your Say’ link on the TfL website under the title ‘Extending the DLR to Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead’

Following the period of consultation, which closes on Thursday, 16th July 2026, and depending on funding and various approvals, construction could begin in 2029, with the extension fully operational by the mid-2030s.

“I’m really pleased to be progressing our exciting plans for the DLR extension to Thamesmead, following Government backing in the Budget last autumn. This is something I’ve long called for – alongside London’s businesses and communities – because it will not only transform travel in a historically underserved part of our city, but also unlock thousands of new jobs and homes, boosting the economy across the capital and indeed the country. I encourage Londoners to have their say in this detailed consultation and help shape these game-changing plans as we continue building a greener, better, more prosperous London for everyone.”

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan

“Extending the DLR to Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead will be a game changer for east London, providing fast, reliable connections to areas that have gone decades without direct rail access. It’s vital we hear from people who could benefit, so their views can help shape the plans as they progress.”

Alex Williams, TfL’s Chief Customer and Strategy Officer