Direct Discussion of Northern Gyeonggi Metropolitan Railway Issues
with the Chairman of the Metropolitan Transportation Committee
Accelerating the Expansion of the Metropolitan Railway Network
Uijeongbu City in Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Kim Donggeun) visited the Metropolitan Transportation Committee of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (hereinafter referred to as the Metropolitan Transportation Committee) on December 23 and strongly urged the prompt resolution of major metropolitan railway issues, including the extension of Subway Line 8 to Uijeongbu and the conversion of the Line 7 extension to a double-track railway.
Mayor Kim Donggeun visited the Metropolitan Transportation Committee of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport on the 23rd and discussed major metropolitan railroad issues with Chairman Kim Yongseok. Provided by Uijeongbu City
At the meeting, Mayor Kim Donggeun pointed out that due to the poor metropolitan transportation conditions in northern Gyeonggi, residents of new towns continue to experience transportation inconveniences and urban development is also being delayed, emphasizing the urgent need to expand railway infrastructure.
He also explained the necessity and justification for promoting the "Line 8 (Byeollae Line) Uijeongbu Extension Project" as a practical measure to complete the metropolitan circular railway network at the national policy level.
In particular, Mayor Kim stressed, "The 'Line 8 (Byeollae Line) Uijeongbu Extension Project' submitted by Uijeongbu City must be included in the '5th Metropolitan Transportation Implementation Plan (2026-2030)' currently being formulated by the Metropolitan Transportation Committee," adding, "If this project is included, it will lay the foundation for future progress, serving as a catalyst for bridging transportation gaps and achieving balanced development within the Seoul metropolitan area."
According to the city, if the Line 8 Uijeongbu extension is promoted, more than 200,000 people-including residents of Uijeongbu and Namyangju, as well as those moving in and out due to new development projects-are expected to newly benefit from metropolitan railway services.
If the project is included in the "5th Metropolitan Transportation Implementation Plan (2026-2030)," the city will be able to swiftly proceed with subsequent administrative procedures, such as the preliminary feasibility study.
Additionally, Mayor Kim strongly recommended the need for double-tracking and prior review and countermeasures for the Line 7 extension project (Dobongsan-Okjeong Line), which is currently under construction as a single-track railway and has surpassed 50% completion, citing anticipated problems after its opening.
Mayor Kim pointed out, "Single-track railways face chronic issues due to structural constraints and operational limitations, making it difficult to ensure punctuality and stability. In the event of a breakdown, train delays occur across the entire section. If the line opens as is, it could cause serious operational disruptions and place a significant burden on the city's future railway operations." He added, "I urge the Metropolitan Transportation Committee to recognize these structural problems and come up with practical solutions."
Mayor Kim further emphasized, "For more than 70 years, Uijeongbu has sacrificed for the nation as a forward base for national security, enduring the long-term presence of U.S. military bases, military facility protection zones, and overlapping regulations such as the Seoul Metropolitan Area Readjustment Planning Act. However, these factors have restricted infrastructure expansion, making urban growth extremely difficult. Expanding transportation infrastructure in the underdeveloped northern Gyeonggi region is not a choice but a necessity for balanced development in the metropolitan area, and the policy role of the Metropolitan Transportation Committee is extremely important in this process."
Mayor Donggeun Kim visited the Metropolitan Transportation Committee of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport on the 23rd and handed over a proposal for metropolitan railway projects to Chairman Yongseok Kim, followed by a commemorative photo together. Provided by Uijeongbu City
In response, Chairman Kim Yongseok said, "I agree that appropriate compensation is needed for the special sacrifices endured by the northern Gyeonggi region," adding, "To address the imbalance within the metropolitan area, we will prioritize the review of Uijeongbu's metropolitan railway issues and actively support the promotion of the Line 8 Uijeongbu Extension Project, which will be the final key to connecting the metropolitan circular railway network."
After the meeting, Mayor Kim Donggeun stated, "We will closely cooperate with relevant agencies to ensure that the Line 8 Uijeongbu extension is included in the metropolitan transportation implementation plan and that the foundation for prompt progress is established. Uijeongbu City will continue to do its utmost to realize transportation innovations that citizens can truly feel."
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