Crossrail 2 has moved a step closer to reality after a 'productive meeting' between the Mayor of London and Transport Secretary.

The Government have backed the £30billion project, which would run through Richmond, provided that it is ‘fair to UK tax payers’ and ‘plans are as strong as possible’.

Transport Secretary Mr Grayling’s call for fresh public consultation on Crossrail 2, following a ‘successful outcome’ on funding plans, was met with relief by the Mayor Sadiq Khan who believes it is essential ‘for the future prosperity’ of the capital.

Mr Grayling said: “I am a supporter of Crossrail 2 but given its price tag we have to ensure that we get this right.

“The Mayor and I have agreed to work together on it over the coming months to develop plans that are as strong as possible.”

A joint statement issued by Mr Grayling and Mr Khan said they agreed that “there is no doubt London needs new infrastructure to support its growth and ensure it continues as the UK’s economic powerhouse”.

The Mayor said: “Crossrail 2 is essential for the future prosperity of London and the south-east, so I’m pleased that the Transport Secretary and I have reached an agreement to take this vital project forward.”

Following two TFL consultations, the route is planned to use the existing rail lines beyond Wimbledon, serving four branches across the borough, including, Hampton, Teddington, Fulwell and Hampton Wick.

Twickenham station failed to make the cut as the report indicate it would not offer any frequency or journey time benefits and the existing direct service between Twickenham, Richmond and Kingston potentially would have been permanently withdrawn.

Sir Vince Cable, Lib Dem MP for Twickenham, said: “I am encouraged that the Mayor of London and the Secretary of State for London are at long last now talking together about how to take Crossrail 2 forward.

“Crossrail 2 is a vital infrastructure project that will benefit train users from the Solent to the Wash, not to mention thousands of people from Twickenham who currently face serious overcrowding on their daily commute into London.”

“Another vital reason for Crossrail 2 is that it will remove pressure from many Tube stations that are already seriously overcrowded. Without Crossrail 2 many Tube stations will literally buckle under excessive pressure from passengers, leaving them no choice but to introduce emergency measures such as one-way systems and regular closures.”

The announcement comes less than a week after the Government came under fire for scrapping long-awaited rail electrification plans in Wales, the Midlands and the North.

A Richmond Council Spokesperson, said: “We welcome today’s announcement - whilst Crossrail 2 will not technically pass through Richmond upon Thames, it will benefit local residents and businesses.

“A number of local train stations will be considered ‘Regional Branches’ with Crossrail 2 utilising the existing rail network.

“Crossrail 2 will not only bring economic benefits to the borough, but for residents it will free up capacity on the South West Trains main line – which is one of the busiest and most congested routes in the country.

“With demand for National Rail services into Waterloo forecast to increase by at least 40 per cent by 2043, we are already anticipating severe crowding on the network.”