The rail link will cost about �10bn

Public consultation on the proposed rail link, which would allow 24 trains an hour to be shuttled between east and west London, begins on Thursday.

Drop-in centres will be set up in Brick Lane in east London and Farringdon Tube station where people can quiz an engineer and planner.

A mobile information centre will follow the proposed route until consultation ends on 27 October.

Organisers have also set up a 24-hour helpline - 0845 6023813 - which people can call to express their views.

Last month, the government gave its backing for the scheme but said it would not be ready for the 2012 Olympic Games, which London is bidding to host.

The rail link will run through tunnels in central London, stopping at key Tube stations such as Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road and Liverpool Street.

Under the current plan, it would provide 24 trains an hour in each direction and be capable of carrying 160,000 morning rush-hour passengers.