Disagreement Between Chungnam Province and Asan City Over GTX-C Line Extension to Asan

Governor Kim Taeheum: "Necessary for Asan's Development... Will Proceed as Promised"
Mayor Park Kyunggui: "Need to Review Efficiency Compared to Enormous Cost"

Chungnam Province and Asan City are showing discord over the extension of the Metropolitan Express Railway (GTX)-C Line to Asan.

According to Chungnam Province on the 26th, Governor Kim Tae-heum is promoting the extension of the GTX-C Line to Asan as a pledge of the 8th popularly elected administration. However, as the government presented a principle earlier this year that local governments must bear the construction costs for the extension section, unlike the main line, Asan City is showing reluctance.

While Mayor Park Kyung-gwi of Asan recently ordered an independent feasibility analysis for the GTX-C Line extension to Asan and began a full-scale review of its efficiency, Governor Kim Tae-heum reiterated his position to push forward with the plan as pledged, emphasizing that it is a core project for Asan's development.

At the 352nd temporary session, 2nd plenary meeting held on this day, Governor Kim said, "We should not approach the GTX-C Line from a short-sighted perspective," and added, "Unlike KTX and SRT, the GTX-C Line passes through the center of Seoul and will become a transportation means that connects major city centers in Seoul and Gyeonggi with Chungnam into a hyper-connected metropolitan economic zone within one hour."

He continued, "The GTX-C Line is an essential core SOC infrastructure project for Asan to leap forward as a high-tech industrial area. We should not miss this opportunity just because of funding difficulties," and stated, "The economic viability and feasibility of the GTX-C Line extension have been verified, and since all conditions are met, we will proceed as pledged."

Previously, Mayor Park ordered a feasibility analysis for the GTX-C Line extension to Asan, stating, "The construction cost for the extension is expected to reach 90 billion KRW, and annual operating costs could be as high as 7 billion KRW. With SRT and KTX already in operation, the benefits may not be significant," and added, "Although it is the governor's pledge, it is difficult to decide on a project that requires such a massive budget. We will make a decision based on the results of efficiency and economic feasibility analysis."