Total Length of 70.1 km, 1.6 Trillion Won Invested
Completion of National Railway Network Connecting Seoul Metropolitan Area and Southern Region Anticipated
Gimcheon City in Gyeongbuk has laid the groundwork to become a key hub for the national railway transportation network.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport recently announced the master plan for the Gimcheon-Mungyeong section of the Jungbunaeryuk Railway, signaling the full-scale development of a mainline railway network connecting the Seoul metropolitan area with the central and southern inland regions.
According to Gimcheon City, the newly announced Jungbunaeryuk Railway (Gimcheon-Mungyeong) project will span a total length of 70.131 kilometers, with a total project budget set at 1.6025 trillion won. The project period is scheduled from 2025 to 2033, and the National Railroad Authority will be responsible for its implementation.
This section serves as the "missing link" connecting the already opened Suseo-Mungyeong section and the future Southern Inland Railway (Gimcheon-Geoje). Once completed, the project will establish an ultra-wide-area transportation axis, connecting Suseo in Gangnam, Seoul to Geoje via a single railway network. This is expected to significantly enhance railway transportation efficiency and greatly contribute to balanced national development.
In particular, Gimcheon City plans to use this project as an opportunity to complete a cross-shaped railway hub by linking it with the Southern Inland Railway (Gimcheon-Geoje), the second phase of the Daegu Metropolitan Railway (Gimcheon extension), and the East-West Trans-Korea Railway (Gimcheon-Jeonju). The city is strengthening its status as a railway-centered city by maintaining close cooperation with the National Assembly, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and other related organizations.
Gimcheon Mayor Bae Nakho said, "The announcement of the master plan for the Jungbunaeryuk Railway is an important milestone that marks Gimcheon as a pivotal city in Korea's railway network," adding, "All these achievements were made possible thanks to the aspirations and support of National Assembly member Song Eonseok, the city council, and our citizens."
He further emphasized, "We will focus our administrative capabilities to ensure that the detailed design, groundbreaking, and all phases of construction proceed smoothly, accelerating the realization of 'Railway-Centered City Gimcheon.'"
Meanwhile, the Jungbunaeryuk Railway project is also expected to have a positive ripple effect in alleviating transportation infrastructure imbalances and revitalizing the local economy.
Gimcheon City plans to maximize the effects of the railway opening by developing multifaceted strategies, including attracting railway-based logistics industries and increasing the influx of tourists.
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