Ulsan mayor decides fate of $3.8 bn hydrogen tram project this week

Ulsan City officials are set to decide by the end of the month whether to continue the Ulsan urban railway Line 1 tram project or halt it. The $3.8 bn venture will build a 10.85‑km hydrogen‑electric tram line with 15 stations from Taehwa River Station to Shinbok Junction, slated for opening in 2029.

Mayor Kim Sang‑wook chaired an emergency meeting on Jan 27, reviewing legal and financial consequences of suspension—including the return of national funds and sunk‑cost liabilities—as well as the projected operating deficit if the line proceeds. Contracts already signed with Hyundai Rotem for tram vehicles (≈ 634 billion KRW) and Hansin Gongyeong for construction are reportedly “non‑terminable.” The mayor has also floated a BRT (bus rapid transit) alternative and hinted at a possible second tram line, but a city‑council ordinance to enable public deliberation was rejected. A final decision on continuation or cancellation is expected by Jan 31.