▲ 5th National Rail Plan © Jenny Yoon
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[ Global Journalists Club Federation - Journalist Jenny Yoon ] Gangwon State is ramping up efforts to secure the inclusion of 10 key railway projects in the 5th National Railway Network Plan, aiming to establish a comprehensive circular railway network that will boost connectivity and regional development. With an estimated total cost of 13 trillion KRW, these projects are seen as critical to enhancing transportation efficiency, improving mobility, and addressing underdeveloped areas in the region.
The National Railway Network Plan, a top-tier statutory plan established by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport, is updated every 10 years on a five-year cycle. Projects included in the plan gain access to national funding and prioritization. The 5th edition, set to be finalized in 2025, will outline railway projects slated for implementation between 2026 and 2035, with revisions every five years.
Proposed Projects and Strategic Importance
Gangwon State’s proposal includes seven general railway projects and three metropolitan railway projects. Notable among these are the Chuncheon-Wonju Line, the Taebaek-Yeongdong Line, and the Gyeongwon Line, which were previously listed as additional review projects in the 4th National Railway Network Plan.
Chuncheon-Wonju Line: This project aims to link Chuncheon and Wonju, two of the state’s major cities, serving as a crucial connector between the Yeonghonam region and the Sokcho area.
Taebaek-Yeongdong Line: Originally built in the 1950s as an industrial railway for transporting coal and anthracite, this line will undergo significant modernization to enhance regional rail infrastructure.
Fierce Competition for Inclusion
With approximately 160 projects worth a combined 360 trillion KRW proposed by regional governments across the country, competition for inclusion in the plan is expected to be intense. Gangwon State is leveraging its policy achievements, such as boosting railway efficiency and addressing underserved areas, to strengthen its case.
The state is also adapting to a shift in the government’s approach, which now emphasizes national-led planning over local government proposals. In June 2024, Gangwon submitted its feedback on other regional proposals, as requested by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport. However, the state continues to advocate for the inclusion of all 10 of its proposed routes, emphasizing their equal importance.
Collaborative Efforts and Public Engagement
Gangwon State remains committed to advocating for these projects through ongoing collaboration with municipalities and residents. Officials stress that the development of a seamless railway network is vital for the region’s growth and connectivity.
“Every proposed route is essential for enhancing mobility and regional development,” a state official said. “We will continue our efforts to ensure that all proposed projects are included in the national plan.”
The final decision on project inclusion will be determined by the government’s review process, which will consider both the proposals and the strategic value they bring to the national railway network
Jenny Yoon / Journalist / Global Journalist Cub Federation Yanggu gun branch