"Extension of GTX Line to Gwangju, Icheon, and Yeoju in Gyeonggi Province Economically Viable: Service Analysis"

B/C (Benefit-Cost) Ratio is 1.19

Mayors of Gwangju, Yeoju, Icheon, and Wonju Jointly Request GTX Extension [Provided by Gwangju City]

[Asia Economy Reporter La Young-cheol] A feasibility study has found that extending the metropolitan area express railroad (GTX) line to Gwangju, Icheon, and Yeoju in Gyeonggi Province is economically viable.

According to the interim results of the "GTX Line Gwangju∼Icheon∼Yeoju Introduction Plan Study" commissioned by Icheon City to the Graduate School of Railroad at Seoul National University of Science and Technology on the 7th, the GTX-A line branching plan, which connects the Suseo∼Gwangju line and then links the Gwangju∼Icheon∼Yeoju section to the Gyeonggang Line, was analyzed to have a B/C (benefit-cost ratio) of 1.19.

Generally, a B/C value of 1 or higher is considered to secure economic feasibility and is judged to be commercially viable.

The three local governments are promoting plans to branch off from Suseo Station on the GTX-A line, connect via the Suseo∼Gwangju line, and extend to Gwangju∼Icheon∼Yeoju, as well as to extend the GTX-D line from Gimpo∼Hanam to Gwangju∼Icheon∼Yeoju.

Additionally, the plan to extend the GTX-D line and connect it to the Gyeonggang Line showed a B/C of 0.92, but when extended to Wonju City in Gangwon Province, the B/C was analyzed to be 1.02, securing economic feasibility.

The double-tracking project for the Yeoju∼Wonju railway is currently underway, and on the 3rd, the mayor of Wonju signed a joint petition with the mayors of Gwangju, Icheon, and Yeoju to attract the GTX line.

Based on the feasibility study results showing economic viability of the line extension, the three local governments plan to persuade the central government to introduce the GTX.

Meanwhile, on the 3rd, Gwangju City held a "Vision Declaration Ceremony" at Gyeonggi Gwangju Station Square, expressing hopes to attract the GTX line connecting Gwangju~Icheon~Yeoju~Wonju.

The ceremony was attended by about 50 people, including Gwangju Mayor Shin Dong-heon, Icheon Mayor Eom Tae-jun, Yeoju Mayor Lee Hang-jin, Wonju Mayor Won Chang-mook, and civic groups.

They declared a vision emphasizing "mutual development between the metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas," "carbon reduction and social environmental cost savings," "population dispersion through balanced development," and "expansion of basic housing welfare rights and guarantee of convenient mobility."

The heads of these local governments jointly signed a petition urging the GTX line and the connection of the four cities (Gwangju~Icheon~Yeoju~Wonju).

The four cities expect that if the GTX is attracted, the expansion of metropolitan transportation infrastructure will enhance the cities' growth potential and serve as a stepping stone extending to Gangwon Province, playing a very important role in the government's agenda for mutual development and balanced growth between the metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas.