Korea Rail Network Authority Conducts Safety Inspections at 2,671 Steep Slopes During the 'Thawing Season'

[Asia Economy (Daejeon) Reporter Jeong Il-woong] The Korea Rail Network Authority announced on the 20th that it will conduct safety inspections of 2,671 steep slopes adjacent to railway lines to prevent safety accidents during the thawing season.

The safety inspections began on the 14th and will continue until April 15. The Rail Network Authority plans to form inspection teams jointly with Korea Railroad Corporation and private experts to focus on the condition of slopes, such as cracks and subsidence, the risk of falling rocks, and the possibility of small to medium-scale collapses at the targeted sites.

A disaster response situation room will also be operated to enable immediate action if risk factors are discovered during the inspection process. The operation of the situation room will continue from the thawing season (February to April) through the rainy season (May to October).

The inspection results will be disclosed on the Rail Network Authority’s website, and locations with a high risk of collapse will undergo detailed inspections and precise safety diagnoses, followed by safety measures such as repairs and reinforcements.

Additionally, the Rail Network Authority explained that safety inspections will be conducted in preparation for the rainy season following the thawing season to ensure follow-up measures for problems found during the thawing season inspections and to re-examine the status of safety management.

Kim Han-young, Director of the Rail Network Authority, said, “The thawing season is a period when accidents on steep slopes occur intensively. The Rail Network Authority will maintain thorough efforts to secure safe train operations and prevent casualties and property damage by maintaining and managing areas with a high risk of falling rocks and collapses during this period.”