Expressway Corp. Proposes Pilot Automated Logistics System for Underground Expressways... Land Ministry Remains Cautious

Work Report of Public Institutions under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport
Expressway Corporation Proposes Establishing AI Data Centers on Idle Land

Korea Expressway Corporation has proposed to the government the idea of incorporating a logistics transportation system alongside the construction of underground expressways. The government evaluated the proposal positively but pointed out that, since a concrete design plan for the underground expressways has not yet been developed, a cautious approach is necessary.

On January 14, Ham Jingyu, President of Korea Expressway Corporation, presented the idea of "establishing a transportation system linked to underground expressways" at a work report session for public institutions under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. He cited the fact that over 90% of domestic freight transportation relies on roads and that major cities worldwide are building underground transportation systems.

The underground expressway plan envisions constructing tunnels beneath sections of expressways in the Seoul metropolitan area and other high-traffic routes. This would not only help alleviate traffic congestion but also enhance urban space utilization and resolve regional disconnection. The project is being pursued for chronically congested sections such as the Gyeongin Expressway and the areas of the Gyeongbu Expressway adjacent to Seoul.

Gyeongin Expressway Bupyeong Interchange

The plan involves allocating separate space within these underground roads to establish an automated logistics transportation system or to create logistics-only roads utilizing unmanned vehicles. President Ham commented, "In Spain, they used the TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine) method to build underground expressways but only use half of the underground space," adding, "Underground expressways may become more common in major cities, but we should not follow that path exactly."

With Korea Expressway Corporation at the center, Korean construction companies are pursuing overseas expansion in road construction and operation, and this business model is expected to be competitive internationally. He requested that the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport implement this concept as a pilot project during the development of underground expressways.

Wooje Lee, Director of the Road Bureau at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, responded to the proposal by stating, "It could improve road user safety and would likely be a positive direction for logistics systems where punctuality is crucial." However, he also noted, "Given the overall logistics transportation patterns, it is necessary to thoroughly review the specific business methods and models beforehand."

According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, it has not yet been decided whether the underground expressways will be constructed at a deep depth of more than 50 meters below the surface, similar to the Great Train Express (GTX) in the Seoul metropolitan area. Building expressways deep underground would reduce the impact on existing structures and allow for longer, straighter routes. On the other hand, accessibility to the underground roads could become more challenging. Differences in usage patterns compared to railways must also be considered.

Yoon-duk Kim, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (center), is speaking at the subordinate agency's work report on the 14th. Provided by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport

Korea Expressway Corporation also proposed building artificial intelligence (AI) data centers on idle land. President Ham anticipated that, since optical communication networks are already installed, linking with power generation projects such as solar and fuel cells could create synergy. He requested institutional support from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, such as legislative amendments.

Director Lee commented, "Since the new government is pursuing a policy to become a global AI powerhouse, this seems desirable." However, he also pointed out, "Korea Expressway Corporation currently charges usage fees at the level of private operators, so it is necessary to consider whether the corporation can enhance its public role."

Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL) proposed the concept of an "energy train," which would physically transport renewable energy using the railway network. Jeong Jeongrae, Acting President of KORAIL, stated, "We will establish the basic framework by April this year," adding, "This will become a new blue ocean for revitalizing rail logistics."

On the 31st, ahead of the New Year's bridge holiday, Incheon International Airport Terminal 1 is crowded with travelers. 2025.12.31 Photo by Kang Jinhyung

Incheon International Airport Corporation requested that the fifth phase expansion project be included in the 7th Comprehensive Airport Development Plan. Incheon Airport completed its fourth phase expansion in December 2024 and can now accommodate 106 million passengers annually, but it is expected to reach full capacity by 2033. Lee Hakjae, President of Incheon International Airport Corporation, stated, "The fifth phase expansion was not included in the 4th Basic Aviation Policy Plan, but considering that such projects take a long time, we need to prepare in advance."

Korea Airports Corporation argued that airport facility usage fees, such as passenger airport usage fees and landing fees, should be increased to secure funding for facility investment aimed at revitalizing regional airports.