A new report that predicts further overcrowding for train commuters has led to Surbiton and Kingston MP James Berry calling the introduction of Crossrail 2 the only “viable solution” for the borough’s increasingly congested network.

Under current plans, Kingston should have five Crossrail 2 stations, including Chessington North and Tolworth, meaning trains running every six minutes would reach Tottenham Court Road in central London via Wimbledon in 20 minutes.

Mr Berry, who boards overcrowded trains from Surbiton most mornings, has now cited Network Rail’s Wessex Route Study, that predicts a 40 per cent increase in train passengers in the next 30 years, as a means for an even stronger case to invest in Crossrail 2 for the borough.

The report sees Network Rail admit that, even before this growth, the network needs to expand by 20 per cent to meet existing overcrowding on the borough’s services.

Mr Berry said: “This report should ring alarm bells for those who don’t believe we need to invest significantly, and as soon as possible, in our railway network.

“Network Rail’s analysis identifies how supply and demand is totally mismatched and confirms that the only viable long-term solution to manage this capacity crisis is to build Crossrail 2.”

If the Crossrail 2 proposal was approved, it would involve some major infrastructure changes for the borough, including replacing Kingston train station.

Council leader Kevin Davis said: “In the past 10 years, the population in Kingston has grown by 11 per cent. We need infrastructure that can support a growing population.

“If we try to make a case for improving our existing infrastructure without any direct benefit to London, we are not going to win that case.

“Crossrail 2 is a big beast. It is going to attract more people to the borough and it is important we get it right. It will mean moving Kingston station and a completely new station for Tolworth. We are still working on a case for Chessington South.”

Councillor Clive Chase, who represents Chessington North and Hook Ward, where the project could stretch to, said: “If it goes ahead it could significantly change this part of the borough.

“In the past, people have said we are the forgotten part of the borough – we are shouting now.”