New Cross Gate Overground Station should bring in new longer trains by the end of 2014. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

New Cross Gate Overground Station is set to be one of the first stations to bring in new longer trains by the end of 2014.

The increase, which will help support the over 100 million commuter journeys made on the network every year, will involve trains going from four carriages to five in order to help reduce rush hour crowding.

As part of the new upgrade, New Cross Gate is to have a major refurbishment to improve tracklines, staircases, as well as interior and exterior design as part of the £320M Overground Capacity Programme.

Transport for London’s Director of London Overground, Mike Stubbs said: “ London Overground is about constant investment in improving and upgrading trains and stations so as to deliver benefits to passengers. There is essential and complicated work being carried out at New Cross Gate station by Network Rail, which will result in two lifts being installed. These will be a huge boost to passenger access.”

However, not all stations will be able to support the extended five carriage trains without rebuilding stations. Wapping, Rotherhithe and Canada Water stations will have to rely on train announcements to inform commuters on what carriage doors will not open at these stations.