Opening of the Entire Donghae Line in 2024 (Bujeon~Gangneung)
Travel from Pohang to Samcheok in Under 55 Minutes
The Korea Rail Network Authority announced on the 18th that it will invest 610.6 billion KRW in nine railway projects in the Yeongnam region this year.
Construction Project Route Map and Project Effects in the Yeongnam Region. (Provided by Korea Rail Network Authority)
In particular, it plans to expedite the execution of 372.5 billion KRW, which accounts for 61% of this year's budget, in the first half of the year to help overcome the economic crisis and lead the revitalization of the local economy through job creation and other efforts.
First, 442.9 billion KRW will be invested in general railway projects in the Yeongnam region this year. This includes the Donghae Line Pohang?Samcheok railway construction project and the Pohang?Donghae electrification project.
The Donghae Line Pohang?Samcheok railway construction project is a single-track railway construction connecting 166.3 km from Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do to Samcheok, Gangwon-do. The first phase, from Pohang to Yeongdeok, was opened in January 2018. For the second phase, Yeongdeok?Samcheok section, scheduled to open in 2024, 186.6 billion KRW will be invested this year to focus on all areas including roadbed, track, architecture, and systems, aiming to achieve a 90% progress rate.
The Donghae Line Pohang?Donghae electrification project involves electrifying the 172.8 km single non-electrified track section from Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do to Donghae, Gangwon-do. With a target progress rate of 95%, 256.3 billion KRW will be invested this year to carry out architectural and system works across the entire section.
The Donghae Line Pohang?Samcheok railway construction project and the Pohang?Donghae electrification project are planned to undergo facility inspection tests and operational trials jointly with the railway operator starting April 2024, with simultaneous opening scheduled for the end of 2024.
Once the entire Donghae Line is opened, travel from Pohang to Samcheok will take only 55 minutes, reducing travel time by 2 hours and 15 minutes compared to existing buses. The completion of the integrated electric railway transport system is expected to contribute to improved track functionality.
889 Billion KRW Invested This Year in Daegu Metropolitan Railway Construction
A total of 202.5 billion KRW will be invested in the Daegu metropolitan railway project. This is a metropolitan railway project connecting 61.9 km from Gumi, Gyeongsangbuk-do to Daegu and Gyeongsan, with 88.9 billion KRW invested this year aiming for a 93% progress rate.
The Daegu metropolitan railway is a low-cost, high-efficiency project utilizing the spare capacity of the existing Gyeongbu Line tracks and is scheduled to open in the second half of 2024. Once the electrified railway opens, travel between Daegu and the Gyeongbuk area will be possible within 40 minutes.
Seodaegu Station, a newly constructed station on the Daegu metropolitan railway, was initially opened in March 2022. The construction of Buksam Station in Chilgok-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, a commissioned project, began with contract issuance in February this year and is scheduled for completion by December 2025.
Five Projects Including Donghae Nambu Line to be Completed Within the Year
The five southeastern lines including the Busan?Ulsan double-track electrified railway, Ulsan?Pohang double-track electrified railway, Yeongcheon?Shin Gyeongju double-track electrified railway, Daegu Line double-track electrified railway, and Ulsan New Port access railway were opened between 2020 and 2021 and are currently operating trains.
The Authority plans to invest 73.6 billion KRW this year to complete these projects, including installing screen doors on electric train operation lines and demolishing existing line structures. Administrative procedures such as handover of alternative public facilities with relevant local governments have been completed, and completion is planned by the end of this year.
Kim Han-young, President of the Korea Rail Network Authority, stated, "We will contribute to national balanced development by building a seamless national railway network, establishing rail-centered transport infrastructure, and creating a foundation for regional cooperation to promote regional win-win development and innovative growth."
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