The new station is being largely manufactured at a Laing O’Rourke facility and transported in sections to save time and ensure disruption to residents, DLR services and ExCeL London are minimised, Crossrail explained.

"When Crossrail opens, up to 12 trains an hour will link Custom House with central London and beyond, improving access between the Royal Docks and London’s key employment areas as well as supporting wider regeneration," said Jeff Clegg, Crossrail’s eastern area director.

"We are already well connected but Crossrail will ensure that we are one of the most accessible venues in the world, making ExCeL more compelling as a destination and choice for event organisers," added David Pegler, chief executive, ExCeL London. "Access to international audiences and being able to compete for the top overseas events from Europe and North America is crucial to the long term ambitions of London being recognised as a world leading meetings and events destination."

The new line will reduce journey times for many of the four million annual visitors to the nearby ExCeL London. In addition, with Crossrail, the journey between Custom House and Bond Street will be around 10 minutes quicker and passengers travelling to and from Heathrow will be able to save some 35 minutes.