[Practical Finance] The Next Target After GTX-A... "Invest While Monitoring Progress"

"GTX-C Line Opening Expected to Be the Fastest"
Groundbreaking Ceremony Held but Actual Construction Not Started
B Line to Receive Implementation Plan Approval in July This Year

D, E, F Lines Still in Planning Stage
Projects May Be Canceled, Investment 'Cautious'

In addition to the 수도권광역급행철도 (GTX)-A line, scheduled to open at the end of this year, the government is planning lines B through F. Among these, the fastest line after A is the GTX-C line. It runs from Deokjeong-dong, Yangju in northern Gyeonggi Province, through Seoul's Chang-dong, Wangsimni, Samsung, and Yangjae, and then passes through southern Gyeonggi areas including Gwacheon, Uiwang, and Suwon. Once opened, it will be possible to travel from Samsung Station to Suwon in just 27 minutes. Beneficiary areas include Deokjeong Yangju New Town and Uijeongbu, Suwon, where access to Gangnam will be improved.

The C line received approval for its implementation plan last year, and a groundbreaking ceremony was held in January this year. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport aims to open it by 2028. However, due to unfavorable conditions such as financial procurement, actual construction has not yet commenced.

The GTX-B line connects Incheon Songdo to Seoul Yeouido, Yongsan, and Sangbong, extending to Namyangju Byeollae and Maseok. After opening, travel times will be 30 minutes from Incheon to Seoul Station and 23 minutes from Namyangju Maseok to Cheongnyangni. The section from Yongsan to Sangbong, constructed with public funds, is currently under construction. However, the privately funded section received implementation plan approval in July this year, making its administrative procedures slower than those of the C line. Even if the publicly funded section is completed, independent operation like GTX-A's Suseo to Dongtan segment is expected to be difficult. The publicly funded section of the B line is located in the middle of the route, making it challenging to secure space for vehicle maintenance or facilities for temporary operation. The B line is scheduled to open in 2030.

Among the GTX-D, E, and F lines, which are currently in the planning stage, the GTX-D line is receiving the most attention. The D line forms a Y shape, starting from Gimpo Janggi and Incheon International Airport, meeting at Bucheon, and continuing to Hanam in Gyeonggi Province. In Seoul, it passes through the Gangnam area including Gangnam, Samsung, and Jamsil. However, it will take at least 5 to 6 years before actual construction procedures begin.

An industry official said, "Given the enormous project costs, except for the GTX-A line, the opening times cannot be guaranteed," adding, "Since the D, E, and F lines are still in the planning stage, routes may be changed or projects may be canceled during the process. It is necessary to carefully monitor progress to decide the timing of investment."