Overground lines to be renamed as part of Sadiq Khan’s plans to showcase London’s historic diversity

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has announced plans for London Overground lines to be renamed, in hopes that it will help ensure the capital’s infrastructure better reflects its diverse history.

Prioritising 6 lines, Khan as part of his re-election manifesto says he aims to give each route its “own identity”. Even inciting Londoners to come up with names based on nearby landmarks or famous Londoners associated with key destinations.

The renaming will focus on some of the Overground’s busiest lines: Richmond and Clapham Junction to Stratford, Watford Junction to Euston, Gospel Oak to Barking, Highbury & Islington to New Cross, Clapham Junction, Crystal Palace and West Croydon, Liverpool Street to Enfield Town, Cheshunt and Chingford, Romford to Upminster

“I will establish a naming programme for the six London Overground lines and give Londoners the opportunity to tell more of our city’s diverse story and put some of our forgotten people and places back on the map,” Khan said.

The move is part of Khan’s wider diversity agenda spearheaded by his diversity commission. Created in the wake of the BLM movement that swept the world last year, the group aims to ensure that street names and monuments more accurately reflect London’s history.

The new names which will be “rigorously assessed to ensure they only serve to enhance the passenger experience”and also plan to give light to “potentially under-recognised, contributions to London life”.