The trail-blazing KenEx project would see a comprehensive tramway of about 11 miles connecting Grays with Kent including a tunnel under the River Thames.

Bosses are confident the initial part of the project will be completed by 2028, and are keen to extend it further to Canvey and Basildon afterwards.

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However, concerns were previously raised that extending it to Basildon and Canvey could cost £400million.

Gordon Pratt, managing director at Thames Gateway Tramlink Ltd, said initial feasibility studies have begun.

He said: “Future development of the KenEx tramway is envisioned within Grays – Basildon – Canvey triangle which may add around a further 25km to the network and initial feasibility studies having been undertaken to select routes with maximum benefit for local residents.

“A tramway is not just a clean, cost effective and energy efficient form of transport, but has also been proven to reduce road traffic and speed up journey times for the ordinary motorist and is a win-win all round.”

For the current KenEx project, an outline business case has been accepted by the Department for Transport, with a full business case being finalised to be submitted later this year.

Stephen Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon, and East Thurrock, said he would love to see the initial project be extended in Basildon and even into Southend.

He said: “I welcome the fact that KenEx have made a formal submission to the Government.

“I have been following their project closely for some years now and I think it would be a really useful piece of infrastructure to have linking Kent and Essex.

“I have also made the case for the trams to come more into south Essex to the Chancellor at a recent meeting.

“I think would improve the movement across south Essex in what is already a congested area.

“I know that the initial plans don’t include going up to Basildon and out to Southend, but once a project like this has started and is underway, I could see how it could expand and I would be fully supportive of it doing so. It is another way to keep Essex moving, and it certainly would be a useful additional public transport option to traditional railways across the whole of Essex.”