Namyangju City to Relaunch Byeollae Line Extension Pre-Feasibility Study and Advance Urban Railway Network Construction

Namyangju City in Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Joo Gwangdeok) announced on June 10 that it held a kickoff meeting on June 9 for the study on improving the feasibility of the Byeollae Line extension project (replanning) and the urban railway network construction plan, and has officially begun the research.

Joo Gwangdeok, mayor of Namyangju City, held a kickoff meeting on the 9th for the study on improving the feasibility of the Byeollae Line extension project (replanning) and the urban railway network construction plan. Provided by Namyangju City

This research project is a follow-up measure after the Byeollae Line (Line 8) extension section, 'Byeollae Station to Byeollae Byeolgaram Station,' failed to pass the preliminary feasibility study (hereinafter referred to as "pre-feasibility study") in June 2024. The purpose is to enhance the project's feasibility and to establish a strategy for its relaunch.

In addition, as the city approaches the milestone of a population of one million, it is also working to develop an urban railway network plan to address underserved areas in railway transportation and to promote balanced urban development.

At the kickoff meeting, the project team from the Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation of Seoul National University of Science and Technology and Phitow Consultant Co., Ltd. reported on the project execution system, direction, and plans for technical and academic review.

Through this study, Namyangju City plans to conduct a comprehensive review to secure approval for the Byeollae Line extension project in the pre-feasibility study. The review will include: analysis of the reasons for failing the previous pre-feasibility study, reflection of changes in social and economic conditions, and establishment of a replanning strategy. In terms of the urban railway network, the city will also examine the introduction of new transportation modes and the discovery of new urban railway routes within the city. The project will be carried out over 18 months, from May 2025 to November 2026.

Mayor Joo Gwangdeok stated, "The Byeollae Line extension project is a key initiative that will complete the metropolitan circular railway network and improve citizens' access to railways. Through precise and thorough review, we will not only ensure the successful implementation of the Byeollae Line extension project, but also lay the foundation for a systematic urban railway network in the future."

Meanwhile, the city plans to hold the first interim report meeting on the Byeollae Line extension project in December 2025 to review the interim results of the study, after which it will proceed with reapplying for the pre-feasibility study. Before the reapplication, the city also plans to hold a meeting with local residents to facilitate communication.