Gov’t plans new rail routes to improve urban rail connectivity

[Photo by Yonhap]

The South Korean government unveiled a plan to reduce the commute time in the Seoul metropolitan area to a 30-minute timeframe by expanding urban express rail routes.

During an open public discussion presided over by President Yoon Suk Yeol on Thursday, the government announced new strategies in the transportation sector that could reduce travel time and increase connectivity in the Seoul metropolitan region, as well as in other regions nationwide.

One of the innovative measures unveiled that day includes the expansion of the Great Train eXpress (GTX) railways, involving the extension of existing GTX-A, B, and C lines as well as the addition of the new D, E, and F lines. “With the GTX connecting a wider area, it will create a connected economic living zone, enabling those in the metropolitan area to connect all the way to Chungcheong and Gangwon provinces on the same day,” Yoon said, highlighting potential increase in investment and job opportunities in addition to commuting convenience.

The A line, scheduled to open in March, will extend from Dongtan to Pyeongtaek, the B line from Maseok to Chuncheon, and the C line will connect Deokjeong to Dongducheon, linking Suwon to Asan. The construction of the B and C lines will commence in 2024.

The newly planned D line will start from Incheon International Airport and Gimpo Janggi, meeting at Bucheon Daejang, then splitting again at Gangnam Samsung to Jamsil and Wonju. The E line will start from Incheon International Airport, passing through Yeonsinnae and Kwangwoon University, connecting to Guri, Wangsuk 2, and Deokso. The F line will create a circular route passing through Hanam Gyosan, Uijeongbu, Daegok, Bucheon, and Suwon.

“The extension project of the A and C lines will begin promptly in early 2025, as it does not require a preliminary feasibility study with local governments bearing the costs,” Yoon said, adding that the government will also promptly proceed with the B line extension as well as the introduction of the new D, E, F lines.

The government also announced that an urban high-speed railway system similar to GTX will be introduced in non-metropolitan areas to reduce transportation disparities between metropolitan and local regions. Starting with the Daejeon-Sejong-North Chungcheong region to increase urban connectivity in non-metropolitan regions, it plans to introduce similar systems in other non-metropolitan regions via discussions with local governments to identify feasible routes.

Measures to improve congestion on the Gimpo Gold Line during commuting time were also announced, including additional vehicle deployment, increasing the number of express buses during commuting times, diversification of departure and destination points, and the gradual introduction of bus-only lanes on the Olympic Highway during specific time slots. Initiatives such as the introduction of double-decker electric buses, response-demand type buses, expansion of seat reservation systems, and the introduction of express buses will also be pursued.

Other measures announced that day include the comprehensive underground development of surface railways and expanding the Gyeongbu expressway underground.