The 'Shinbundang Line' Cut Off at Gwanggyo Will Extend to Hwamaesil, Suwon

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] The long-awaited project for Gyeonggi Province residents, the 'Shinbundang Line Gwanggyo~Homaesil Project,' has been confirmed for promotion.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced on the 15th that the preliminary feasibility study for the Shinbundang Line Gwanggyo~Homaesil project has passed, and that it will begin the basic plan establishment service within this year.

The Shinbundang Line Gwanggyo~Homaesil route is a railway approximately 9.7 km long, starting from Suwon Gwanggyo and connecting Hwaseo Station and Homaesil. It will be linked with the Indeogwon~Dongtan Line (World Cup Stadium Station) and the Gyeongbu Line (Hwaseo Station).

Upon completion of the railway, it is expected to alleviate traffic congestion caused by large-scale housing developments in the southern metropolitan area and greatly contribute to the development of the transportation-disadvantaged western Suwon area.

In particular, currently, it takes about 100 minutes by bus from Homaesil to Gangnam, Seoul, making access to downtown Seoul difficult. However, once the Shinbundang Line extension opens, the travel time will be reduced to 47 minutes, cutting about 50 minutes compared to the existing bus usage.

The province has made efforts such as requesting exemption from the preliminary feasibility study and promoting a response service for the preliminary feasibility study (joint service by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and Suwon City) to advance the Gwanggyo~Homaesil project.

Hong Ji-seon, Director of the Province's Railroad, Port and Logistics Bureau, said, "We welcome the passing of the preliminary feasibility study for the Shinbundang Line Gwanggyo Homaesil project," and emphasized, "Gyeonggi Province will do its best to cooperate with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport to ensure the project proceeds smoothly."