London Overground Network Launched

British rail body Transport for London (TfL) has launched its first mainline rail service.

The London Overground service will operate on the North London Railway, taking over from the current Silverlink Metro routes.

The revamped line – which will serve 20 of London's 33 boroughs – is to undergo work and investment totalling over £1.4bn before connecting with the East London line in 2011 in preparation for the 2012 Olympics in Stratford, East London.

TfL promises higher levels of staffing, CCTV, new and refurbished stations, integration of Oyster smartcard users, new trains and more frequent services.

London Mayor Ken Livingstone says: "This paves the way for radical revitalisation of London's rail services, which have suffered from years of neglect and under-investment."

By Ahsanul Islam