Junho Jung: "Companies Intentionally Delaying Deliveries Should Be Restricted from Bidding"

"Disqualified Contractor Designation"
National Contract Act Amendment Proposed
7 Out of 10 ITX Train Cars Remain Undelivered

Junho Jung, member of the Democratic Party of Korea.

Junho Jung, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea representing Buk-gu Gap in Gwangju, has initiated legislation to address the delayed delivery of ITX-Ma-eum trains. Out of the planned 358 train cars, only 116 cars (32.4%) have been delivered, raising serious concerns about disruptions to transportation infrastructure projects.

The core issue lies in the repeated delivery delays by a specific company. The same company has been responsible for all three contracts, postponing deliveries for up to 67 months. As a result, railway customers are experiencing increased inconvenience and potential safety risks.

Korea Railroad Corporation has cited the company’s lack of funds and difficulties in sourcing parts as reasons for the delivery delays. Consequently, there are growing calls for fundamental solutions to chronic delivery delays caused by low-bid contracts.

On September 8, Assemblyman Jung announced that he had sponsored an amendment to the National Contract Act, designating companies that fail to fulfill contracts without justifiable reason as “disqualified contractors,” thereby restricting their participation in future bids.

Assemblyman Jung stated, “Intentional delivery delays of ITX trains are increasing inconvenience and safety risks for railway customers. To prevent such issues, it is necessary to improve the system by restricting bids from companies that delay deliveries without justifiable reasons.”

He also emphasized, “To improve railway transportation convenience on lines such as the Honam Line, ITX services need to be newly added and expanded.” He urged Korea Railroad Corporation to establish comprehensive measures, including stronger management of contractors and legal action, to ensure the prompt delivery of ITX trains.