Proposed by Park Hyungdae, Jeonnam Provincial Assembly Member
Criticism of Ignoring Public Interest and Local Residents' Convenience
The 'Resolution Calling for the Withdrawal of the Hasty Opening Plan for the Mokpo-Boseong Line and the Promotion of Normal Operations,' proposed by Hyungdae Park, a member of the Jeonnam Provincial Assembly (Progressive Party, Jangheung 1), passed the first plenary session of the 392nd extraordinary session held on July 10.
This resolution raises concerns about the unilateral and hasty operation plan established by Korea Railroad Corporation ahead of the scheduled opening of the Mokpo-Boseong Line on September 27, and calls for a comprehensive readjustment and the normalization of railway operations.
In his proposal explanation, Park pointed out, "Although this is a national railway project with a total budget of 1.6353 trillion won, the currently planned train operation is only four times a day on weekdays, and five of the newly established stations will be operated as unmanned stations. This disregards the public nature of the railway and the convenience of local residents."
He went on to emphasize, "Operating unmanned stations without considering the characteristics of rural areas with a high proportion of elderly residents poses a serious threat to resident safety. In addition, the plan to deploy outdated diesel locomotives on electric railway sections runs counter to eco-friendly policies."
Park strongly criticized, "The operation plan should have been established through sufficient consultation with local governments and residents. However, Korea Railroad Corporation tried to finalize the plan behind closed doors without any prior sharing, and it was only through the labor union that the plan was obtained. This is an act of shirking responsibility by the corporation, which should be accountable for public transportation."
This resolution includes three major demands: a comprehensive readjustment of the Mokpo-Boseong Line operation plan; withdrawal of the plan to deploy diesel locomotives and operation of electric locomotives; and prompt implementation of the electrification project for the Gwangju Songjeong?Suncheon section of the Gyeongjeon Line.
Park stated, "Since the Mokpo-Boseong Line project was promoted with the major goals of establishing a southern coastal railway network and balanced regional development, a proper operation plan reflecting the opinions of Jeonnam Province and local residents must be established. In order for local governments to properly establish a public transportation system linked to the railway, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and Korea Railroad Corporation must immediately conduct a comprehensive review."
The Jeonnam Provincial Assembly plans to deliver the adopted resolution to relevant agencies such as the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Korea Railroad Corporation, and the National Railway Authority, and will continue to respond to ensure substantial improvements are made.
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