GTX-B Gapyeong and Chuncheon Extension Planned to Open Simultaneously with Main Line in 2030

Gapyeong-gun and Chuncheon-si Propose Cost Burden on Responsible Party
Korea Rail Network Authority Conducts 9-Month Feasibility Verification Service

The extension project of the Metropolitan Area Express Train (GTX) Line B (Incheon National University Station to Maseok Station) to Gapyeong and Chuncheon, aiming to open in 2030, is set to be actively promoted.

Metropolitan Area Express Railway (GTX) Route Map. / Image courtesy of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport

On the 16th, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced that it will begin a feasibility verification service following the proposal last month by Gapyeong County and Chuncheon City in Gangwon Province to bear the costs as responsible parties for the GTX-B extension project. This is a follow-up measure to the GTX-B extension construction announced at the sixth public livelihood discussion presided over by the President in January this year.

This project involves extending the main line by a total of 55.7 km from Maseok Station in Namyangju City, Gyeonggi Province, the current terminus, to Gapyeong and Chuncheon. Related local governments such as Gapyeong County and Chuncheon City have been discussing the extension project method and project details. In August, consensus was reached to open the extension simultaneously with the main line, and Gyeonggi Province and Gangwon Province also agreed to prioritize the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport’s feasibility verification, accelerating related procedures.

The feasibility verification will be conducted by the Korea Rail Network Authority for about nine months based on the preliminary feasibility study results independently conducted this year by Gapyeong County and Chuncheon City. Economic viability, technical feasibility, and other factors will be closely examined to determine the route, stops, frequency of operation, and to calculate the cost scale and cost-sharing ratios.

If the feasibility verification is completed as planned by the first half of next year, local governments, the Korea Rail Network Authority, and operating agencies will sign a business consignment agreement. Afterwards, design, construction, and vehicle orders will be promoted aiming for simultaneous opening with the GTX-B main line.

If GTX-B is extended to Chuncheon, the existing travel time of up to 1 hour and 30 minutes to Cheongnyangni Station is expected to be reduced to about 50 minutes. A Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport official said, "The accessibility of residents in Gapyeong and Chuncheon to downtown Seoul will be greatly improved," adding, "It is expected to significantly contribute to the regional economic development and tourism revitalization of the eastern Gyeonggi and Gangwon areas by attracting excellent talent and new investment demand to regional hubs formed around GTX stations."