Double-decker trains planned for London

A tunnel 10 miles long taking double-decker trains through London is part of a £2bn transport package proposed to the shadow Strategic Rail Authority yesterday.

A tunnel 10 miles long taking double-decker trains through London is part of a £2bn transport package proposed to the shadow Strategic Rail Authority yesterday.

The new heavy rail link would take commuters from Wimbledon to King's Cross, bypassing Waterloo to relieve congestion at the station.

The plan is part of an application from FirstGroup, which runs three rail franchises, and the Dutch rail company NS, to take over the South West Trains franchise run by Stagecoach.

The joint proposal also aims at doubling the capacity of existing rail links from Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire and Dorset into London.

Moir Lockhead, the chief executive of FirstGroup, said the introduction of Dutch-style double deckers into a new tunnel link would be the third phase of the 20-year project.