The capital's newest train line could be extended through Harrow to provide another route into central London.

Transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin announced today the Government is considering plans to extend the Crossrail project to Hertfordshire.

The proposals would mean the service stopping at Harrow and Wealdstone station before moving on to Watford Junction, Berkhamsted and Tring.

Mr McLoughlin said: "We are looking at proposals to extend Crossrail services even further by opening a new route to key destinations in Hertfordshire.

“It would be a huge boost to Crossrail and London commuters.

“We're going to examine, right away, how we can run extra services direct into the city and through to Canary Wharf from key stations like Tring, Hemel Hempstead, Harrow and Watford, without the frustrating need to change at Euston."

In response to the proposals, Harrow Borough Council leader Councillor David Perry said: “Any additional investment from the Government in London’s infrastructure is welcome, along with the potential regeneration opportunities this will bring to Harrow.

“As the announcement has only just made the details have yet to be known, but we will follow developments closely and work with all organisations to ensure any extension to Crossrail supports our priorities to support local businesses and get young people into work in Harrow.”

The construction Crossrail is the biggest engineering project in Europe, costing £15billion.

The project is scheduled to be fully operational in 2019 it will connect Reading, in Berkshire, to Shenfield in Essex, via central London.

Mr McLoughlin also said that final decisions on any extension of the line would be subject to a wide range of considerations including affordability as with any feasibility study.

It is hoped the extension of Crossrail would mean passengers would no longer have to change at Euston, which is to be redeveloped as part of plans for HS2.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: "Providing a new rail route into the capital for passengers from Hertfordshire will be vital for Euston to be properly redeveloped to accommodate HS2 and to maximise the delivery of new homes and jobs in London and beyond.”