Improving the DLR

With DLR improvements, journeys are getting brighter

We're always working to make your journeys better. That's why we're introducing new DLR trains for more comfortable journeys. 

The DLR is the busiest light railway in the UK. It operates across 6 opportunity areas in London which together have the potential to provide more than 124,000 homes and 200,000 jobs. 

Potential DLR extension

We're considering extending the DLR to to Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead.

Our report on the consultation we held is on the DLR extension consultation page.

new dlr train

New trains

We're introducing 54 new trains to replace the 33 oldest trains in our fleet, some of which are more than 30 years old. Our order for 11 of the extra trains was funded by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. 

The new trains will help us to improve the frequency and reliability of services and support population and employment growth across the network, particularly in parts of the Royal Docks and the Isle of Dogs where the DLR is the main transport option.

Benefits

The new DLR trains will feature:

  • Spacious walk-through carriages
  • Live travel information
  • Air conditioning
  • Improved accessibility features
  • Mobile device charging points

The first of the new trains arrived at Beckton depot in January 2023. They're being tested and integrated with the DLR's signalling system to ensure they're reliable when they come into service.

Other works at Beckton and Poplar depots, and on the rest of the network, are needed to prepare for the new fleet. Alongside routine track and infrastructure maintenance, we're upgrading our power and communications systems across the network during engineering hours and closures.

Planned closures and service amendments in 2025

Friday 18 April - Monday 21 April 

  • Stratford to West India Quay, Westferry to Canning Town and Shadwell to Tower Gateway - maintenance works 

Saturday 3 May - Monday 5 May 

  • Westferry and Poplar to Lewisham - maintenance works
  • Stratford International to Canning Town - 3rd party works 

Saturday 10 May - Sunday 11 May 

  • Bank to Lewisham, Tower Gateway to Canning Town and Stratford to Canary Wharf - new trains testing

Saturday 17 May - Sunday 18 May 

  • Stratford International to Woolwich Arsenal and Poplar to Beckton - new trains testing

Saturday 31 May - Sunday 1 June

  • Beckton to Prince Regent - depot upgrade works to prepare for new trains

Construction at Beckton Depot

We're still developing this facility so it's ready for the introduction of our new train fleet. The main depot works started in 2021

Noise

Although some noise is unavoidable during such works, our contractor will take all reasonably practicable measures to control it in line with the Control of Pollution Act 1974. We're a community railway and minimising disturbance to our neighbours is key.

Contact us if you have any concerns or questions about the programme of works:

Escalators at Cutty Sark

We're sorry that all 4 escalators at Cutty Sark are still out of service.

We have secured funding to replace the escalators. Cutty Sark station will be closed from 31 May 2025 until spring 2026 while we do the work - this will allow us to replace all 4 escalators at once and reopen the station in the quickest and safest way possible.

Additional staff will be at the station to help with any issues it closes on 31 May. For ease of access, both staircases are now open for two-way traffic, with the Welland Street entrance open 07:00-19:00.

Additional entry and exit restrictions will be in place for the London Marathon.

We apologies for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your patience while we do the work.

North Quay

We're working closely with Canary Wharf Group to support the development of the North Quay, alongside the Elizabeth line Canary Wharf station. This will mean improved access to West India Quay station and a new connection from Poplar station directly into the Canary Wharf estate, improving connections with City Airport, ExCeL and more.

Canary Wharf Group started construction on these improvements in 2024.