South Korean metropolitan regions lobby for inclusion in 5th National Railway Plan

Local governments and residents in the southwestern Seoul metropolitan area are intensifying efforts to ensure new railway projects are included in the government’s 5th National Railway Network Construction Plan, expected to be announced by November.

In Incheon, the focus is on the GTX-D Y-line and the extension of the Daejang-Hongdae Line to Cheongna. While both aim to improve access to Seoul, concerns exist regarding potential overlap in demand and service areas, which may influence the government’s prioritization of these high-cost projects.

In Gwangmyeong, citizens and city officials are campaigning for the Sincheon-Haan-Sillim Line. This route is intended to connect Siheung Sincheon Station to Seoul’s Doksan and Sillim areas, addressing anticipated traffic congestion from the Gwangmyeong Siheung 3rd Generation New Town and Techno Valley developments. Proponents are advocating for private investment models to accelerate construction timelines.