Great Welcome for the Approval of the Busan-Yangsan-Ulsan Metropolitan Railway Project
Momentum Grows for the Jeonggwan Line Urban Railway Initiative
Gijang County in Busan has welcomed the approval of the preliminary feasibility study for the "Busan-Yangsan-Ulsan Metropolitan Railway" project, and has launched a final all-out effort to secure the approval of the preliminary feasibility study for the "Jeonggwan Line" urban railway, which will be connected to it.
On July 11, Gijang County stated, "The fact that the Busan-Yangsan-Ulsan Metropolitan Railway project has passed the final stage of the preliminary feasibility study at the Korea Development Institute (KDI) is a signal for the establishment of an inter-regional metropolitan transportation network, and it will also serve as a momentum booster for the promotion of the Jeonggwan Line." The county expressed high expectations for the project.
This metropolitan railway route, which starts at Busan Nopo Station and connects to Jeonggwan Wolpyeong, Yangsan Ungsang, and KTX Ulsan Station, is geographically linked to the "Jeonggwan Line" urban railway (Jwacheon Station to Jeonggwan Wolpyeong), which is a key project being promoted by Gijang County.
An official from the county said, "With the approval of the preliminary feasibility study, the structure in which the Jeonggwan Line serves as a branch line of the metropolitan railway has become much more realistic," adding, "We are focusing our administrative efforts to achieve a positive result in the preliminary feasibility study for the Jeonggwan Line as well."
Gijang County plans to attend the upcoming meeting of the preliminary feasibility study's transportation SOC subcommittee together with Busan City, where they will actively emphasize both the necessity and the regional justification for establishing the Jeonggwan Line. Through these efforts, the county also aims to secure additional points awarded for effort.
County Governor Jung Jongbok stated, "The approval of the preliminary feasibility study for the metropolitan railway is a green light for the Jeonggwan Line as well," and added, "We will do our utmost until the end to ensure that the Jeonggwan Line urban railway, a long-cherished wish of Gijang County residents, passes the preliminary feasibility study."
Governor Jung also emphasized, "If the Jeonggwan Line is connected to the metropolitan railway, it will not only create synergy between regions, but also dramatically improve the living conditions in Gijang County, which has been a transportation-disadvantaged area."
Gijang County has been making all-round efforts to pass the preliminary feasibility study. Since March, the county has conducted a county-wide signature campaign themed after the shape of a railway, gathering signatures from 111,111 residents. In May, the county submitted a petition with as many as 140,000 signatures to the Ministry of Economy and Finance. In addition, a county-wide rally was held, demonstrating the collective will of approximately 175,000 residents and strongly appealing both internally and externally for the necessity of the Jeonggwan Line passing the preliminary feasibility study.
The Jeonggwan Line urban railway is a route connecting Jwacheon Station on the Donghae Line and Jeonggwan Wolpyeong. Based on its connectivity with the metropolitan railway, it is expected to serve as a key axis for balanced regional development and for resolving transportation blind spots in the future.
Gijang County Office.
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