The "Second Incheon Urban Railway Network Construction Plan," which includes seven railway lines such as the Incheon Circular Line 3, is awaiting government approval next year.
On December 16, Incheon City announced that the urban railway network construction plan, for which it applied for approval from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport in February, has completed all necessary steps, including a feasibility review by a specialized research institute, consultations with relevant administrative agencies, and coordination and review by the Urban Transportation Policy Working Committee. The city expects final approval to be granted next year.
This plan is a mid- to long-term urban railway construction strategy aimed at dramatically improving overall transportation accessibility and convenience in Incheon, with a focus on expanding the railway network to densely connect the entire city.
The project includes a total of seven lines-Incheon Circular Line 3, Yonghyeon-Seochang Line, Songdo Tram, Bupyeong-Yeonan Pier Line, Incheon Line 2 Nonhyeon Extension, Yeongjong Tram, and Gajwa-Songdo Line-covering a total length of 123.96 kilometers.
The city explained that these lines have been designed to organically connect the old downtown, new towns, coastal areas, and the airport zone, aiming to resolve imbalances in regional mobility and substantially reduce the daily commuting burden for citizens.
Once approval is granted by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the city plans to swiftly proceed with subsequent steps, such as commissioning a preliminary feasibility study required to apply for a full feasibility assessment.
In particular, for the Incheon Circular Line 3, a preliminary feasibility study has been underway since April using a fast-track approach to proactively prepare for the main feasibility assessment, which is scheduled to be requested in the first half of next year. The Yonghyeon-Seochang Line and Songdo Tram will also begin their respective studies in the first half of next year.
An official from Incheon City stated, "This urban railway network construction plan will serve as a major turning point, fundamentally improving Incheon's urban transportation structure and significantly strengthening citizens' mobility rights. We will proceed with follow-up procedures without delay as soon as the government's final approval process is completed."
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