Assemblyman Heo Jong-sik Proposes Six Key Incheon Land and Transportation Issues to Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport

Heo Jong-sik, a Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker representing Dong-gu and Michuhol-gu Gap in Incheon, met with Kim Yoon-duk, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, at the National Assembly on December 4 and delivered the 'Incheon Region Land and Transportation Issues Proposal,' urging the government to take proactive measures at the national level.

The six key proposals delivered by Assemblyman Heo are as follows: ▲ Inclusion of the undergrounding of the Gyeongin Line in the national plan and its early implementation ▲ Measures for the proper opening of the KTX departing from Incheon ▲ Timely promotion of the Dongincheon private-investment station complex development ▲ Installation of fall prevention facilities on the Incheon Bridge ▲ Establishment of a general hospital near Incheon International Airport to respond to aviation accidents and infectious diseases ▲ Early completion of Baengnyeong Airport.

With the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport set to announce a comprehensive railway undergrounding development plan, Assemblyman Heo emphasized that the undergrounding of the Gyeongin Line must be included. He also called for the ministry to play an active role in resolving the long-standing issue of the 'Dongincheon private-investment station.'

Regarding the delayed opening of the 'KTX departing from Incheon,' he urged, "The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport should directly address the factors causing delays in rolling stock and station construction to ensure the line opens by the end of next year."

Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Heo Jong-sik (left) is taking a commemorative photo after delivering the 'Incheon Region Land and Transportation Issues Proposal' to Kim Yoon-duk, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, on the 4th. Photo by Heo Jong-sik's office

Assemblyman Heo also strongly recommended the prompt confirmation of the installation of fall prevention facilities on the Incheon Bridge, where a series of accidents have heightened public anxiety, as well as the construction of a general hospital near Incheon International Airport to secure the golden time for responding to aviation accidents and infectious diseases. He further stressed the need to accelerate the construction of Baengnyeong Airport, a long-cherished wish of residents on the northernmost islands of the West Sea.

Heo stated, "The six issues I have proposed are tasks that cannot be delayed even for a moment in order to secure transportation sovereignty and protect the lives of Incheon citizens. I hope that, given the urgency of each issue, the ministries will develop concrete implementation plans at the departmental level."

In response, Minister Kim said, "We will thoroughly review the proposals and do our utmost to ensure prompt progress so that the inconveniences faced by Incheon citizens can be resolved as soon as possible."