South Korean regional leaders urge inclusion of railway projects in national plan

Regional leaders and lawmakers in South Korea are intensifying efforts to include major railway expansion projects in the upcoming 5th National Railway Network Plan (2026–2035).

In Incheon, Mayor Park Chan-dae met with residents to discuss the extension of the Daejang-Hongdae Line to Cheongna. This project, which would connect Bucheon Daejang to Cheongna International City via Jakjeon Station, is a high priority for residents in the northwestern part of the city. The Mayor has requested the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport to include this extension, along with GTX-D and KTX Incheon Airport extensions, in the national plan.

Simultaneously, 16 lawmakers from the Chungcheong region (Chungnam, Daejeon, and Chungbuk) have submitted a joint proposal to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. They are advocating for six key projects to support the development of a Chungcheong Mega City and promote balanced national development. These projects include the extension of the GTX-C line to Cheonan and Asan, the Chungcheong Rapid Transit (CTX) extensions, and the construction of the Central Region East-West Railway.

The government is expected to announce the draft of the 5th National Railway Network Plan in the second half of this year, with a final announcement following public hearings.