Elizabeth line: almost 50 years in the planning for Crossrail – timeline

Proposals for east-west train route across London, first mooted in 1974, inspired by Paris RER

1974 - A study for the government and London recommends a first scheme, known as Crossrail, and inspired by the Paris RER.

1989 - A second study, for British Rail, proposes fresh Crossrail plans for east-west trains under London.