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The newspaper would be distributed on weekdays between 3pm and 9pm. The tender process will begin within the next two weeks, with Network Rail intending to complete the process by the end of June.

The bid will not affect Associated Newspaper's rights to distribute Metro at Network Rail-managed stations, but would significantly increase competition between the other proposed London afternoon and evening titles.

There was speculation earlier in the month that News International was considering a separate evening newspaper for London, regardless of whether it won the forthcoming Transport for London Tube rights, which is expected to be announced by the autumn.

Network Rail said the footfall through the 10 London stations approached 1m daily, with 76% falling into the ABC1 demographic.

The company said that over half of rail passenger journeys in London began or ended at the 10 stations, which are: Cannon Street, Charing Cross, Euston, Fenchurch Street, Kings Cross, Liverpool Street, London Bridge, Paddington, Victoria and Waterloo.

John Pike, Network Rail's director of commercial property said: "Network Rail is keen to look for a partner to explore the possibilities of offering a free evening newspaper to the millions of people who use our stations every day.

"Potential bidders will have access to Britain's biggest stations, which already play host to some of the country's busiest retailers."

Network Rail said an auction for the rights would be conducted electronically through consultancy service provider State of Flux.

The proposed internet auction is part of Network Rail's iProcurement strategy, which it said would maximise the potential for higher revenue and greater bid transparency in the shortest possible time.

Pike said: "For Network Rail, the benefits would be yet another offering for passengers and an extra stream of revenue to invest back into the railway."

There are currently no details on whether Network Rail plans to extend the point of distribution to London's other major suburban railway stations.

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