‘Nation's First Commercialization’ Daejeon Tram to Unveil in 2027

Tram image photo. Provided by Daejeon City

[Asia Economy (Daejeon) Reporter Jeong Il-woong] The Daejeon Tram is expected to open in 2027, which is two years later than the originally scheduled opening date.

According to Daejeon City on the 30th, the basic plan for the construction project of the Daejeon Urban Railway Line 2 Tram recently passed the Metropolitan Area Wide Transportation Committee (hereinafter referred to as the MAWTC) under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

The city plans to issue orders for the basic and detailed design services within the year following the MAWTC approval. Currently, the city has secured 16.7 billion KRW for the service fees and has already completed administrative procedures such as prior disclosure of purchase specifications for issuing the service orders.

Based on this, the city expects to carry out contract procedures such as bidding announcements and project capability evaluations, making it possible to start the design services by December this year.

In particular, the city plans to divide the design services into four sections and select one consortium per section (one company per section system), providing local companies with equal opportunities to participate in the project.

Additionally, the city hinted at reflecting the underground construction of the Temi Hill section, which was not included in this approval, during the design phase. According to the current basic plan approved by the MAWTC, only the Seodaejeon Overpass section will be underground. This involves underground construction of six lanes, including two tram lanes for two-way traffic.

Daejeon Urban Railway Line 2 Tram Route Map. Provided by Daejeon City

The city explained that the two-year delay in the tram opening (from the end of 2025 to the end of 2027) is due to unexpected administrative procedures and an increase in project volume such as the underground construction of the Seodaejeon Overpass.

Jo Seong-bae, head of the Daejeon Tram Metropolitan Headquarters, said, “We plan to carefully establish a progress plan from the design stage and coordinate with central government ministries to adjust (shorten) the project period.”

Meanwhile, the Daejeon Tram route will be constructed as a 36.6 km loop connecting Seodaejeon Station ? Government Complex ? Yuseong Oncheon Station ? Jinjam ? Seodaejeon Station.