DLR in London. Photo; Jakub Rutkiewicz / Shutterstock.com New Docklands Light Railway (DLR) trains are entering service across London, bringing more space, air conditioning, improved accessibility and modern passenger information to one of the capital’s busiest transport networks.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has highlighted the arrival of the new trains, saying the state-of-the-art fleet will transform journeys for millions of Londoners across east and south London while providing additional capacity to support new homes and jobs.
The DLR is the UK's busiest light railway and operates across six opportunity areas in London. Together, these areas could deliver more than 124,000 homes and 200,000 jobs, making reliable, higher-capacity transport increasingly important to the capital’s growth.
Transport for London is introducing 54 new DLR trains, replacing the 33 oldest vehicles in the existing fleet, some of which are more than 30 years old.
The new B23 trains are designed to improve service frequency and reliability while supporting population and employment growth, particularly in areas such as the Royal Docks and the Isle of Dogs, where the DLR is a key transport option.
Passengers will find spacious walk-through carriages, live travel information, air conditioning, improved accessibility features and mobile device charging points. Safety has also been upgraded, with improved CCTV, a redesigned door system that reduces the gap between the train and platform, and technology capable of detecting obstructions in doorways.
Testing of the B23 trains resumed between Stratford International and Beckton on September 4, with the fleet now being gradually introduced in phases. TfL said performance will be closely monitored, with more trains entering service as they complete reliability testing and final assurance work.
The project is also creating additional stabling capacity, including six new sidings north of the maintenance building. Together with an extension to the existing southern sidings, the expansion will provide space for up to 14 additional trains. The Beckton Depot project is expected to be completed by 2028.
The investment comes as East London continues to experience major development. By increasing capacity and modernizing the fleet, the DLR is being prepared to handle growing demand while offering passengers a more comfortable, accessible and safer journey.