THE first section of the Elizabeth Line is expected to open during the first six months of this year, said Transport for London. At first trains will run between Paddington and Abbey Wood, and no opening date has yet been given for the other sections to Shenfield, Heathrow and Reading, which are currently being served by local TfL Rail services which terminate at Liverpool Street or Paddington.

The next few months will see extensive testing, when thousands of staff will practice emergency evacuations and other simulated scenarios. Two stations have yet to be handed over to TfL, but signalling systems have been commissioned.

TfL warned that emergency vehicles may sometimes be seen near Elizabeth Line stations during the next few months, because police officers, fire crews and ambulance staff will be helping to test the arrangements.

Transport commissioner Andy Byford said: 'This is an extremely exciting year for us and for London as we get ever closer to opening. The launch of this much needed and transformational addition to the transport network will be central to the recovery for London and the UK. There will be no better symbol of London’s renaissance from the pandemic.'