Gwangmyeong Mayor Park Seung-won Emphasizes "Railroad Infrastructure is Core Foundation to Enhance City Competitiveness...Continued Expansion"

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Yu Je-seong] Gwangmyeong Mayor Park Seung-won emphasized the importance of railroad infrastructure expansion to improve citizen mobility and enhance future city competitiveness.

Mayor Park took the podium at the 'Gwangmyeong City Railroad Infrastructure Expansion Policy Discussion' held on the 15th in the City Hall Conference Room to explain the progress and future plans of major railroad projects in Gwangmyeong City.

Mayor Park said, "Railroad is more than a simple means of transportation—it is a core foundation that enhances citizens' daily lives and city competitiveness," adding, "I will steadfastly pursue mid- to long-term railroad policies that create tangible transportation changes for citizens by establishing faster and more convenient railroad networks."

He continued, "Gwangmyeong City is pursuing the Sincheon~Haan~Shillim Line as a government-funded project while concurrently reviewing private investment to increase the feasibility and execution capability of the project. Through major railroad lines such as the Sinan Line, Wolgokt~Pangyo Line, and GTX-D, we must resolve areas with vulnerable railroad accessibility and make a leap to become a transportation hub in the southwestern region of the metropolitan area—we are at a critical juncture for this. We will prioritize citizen transportation convenience and work in close cooperation with the central government to ensure major Gwangmyeong City railroad lines are reflected in the Fifth National Railroad Network Construction Plan," he emphasized.

The discussion session was attended by approximately 100 citizens, experts, and representatives from relevant agencies, who exchanged opinions on the necessity and strategies of major railroad projects, measures to resolve railroad blind zones, and the concept of establishing Gwangmyeong KTX Station as a departure point for the Eurasian Peace Railroad.

Research Professor Jeon Gyo-seok of Ajou University and former Korea Railroad Corporation (Korail) President Na Hee-seung took the podium as presenters following Mayor Park.

Professor Jeon analyzed Gwangmyeong City's current railroad accessibility and raised the necessity of resolving railroad transportation blind spots in areas such as Haan-dong and Soha-dong. He suggested, "Railroad infrastructure is a core element for balanced regional development," adding, "It is necessary to expand railroad networks in consideration of the living sphere structure of Gwangmyeong City as a whole."

Former President Na then spoke on the topic "Eurasian Peace Railroad and Gwangmyeong City's Role," stating, "The Eurasian Peace Railroad is a symbol of peace and prosperity connecting not only South and North Korea but extending to Europe," and emphasized, "Preemptive preparation is necessary so that Gwangmyeong KTX Station can function as a departure point for international railroad networks."

Comprehensive discussion was moderated by Korean Transportation Association President Yu Jeong-hun (Ajou University Professor), with experts and citizen representatives participating to conduct broad discussions on the feasibility of railroad lines, private railroad promotion strategies, and measures to resolve daily transportation inconveniences. Citizen representatives directly conveyed transportation difficulties experienced in their daily lives and emphasized the need for policy improvements.

Mayor Park Seung-won said, "The expert and citizen opinions presented today will serve as an important compass for Gwangmyeong City's railroad policy," adding, "I will do my utmost to expand railroad infrastructure that citizens can actually feel changes in."

Meanwhile, the city plans to solidify mid- to long-term railroad visions based on the opinions presented at this discussion session and will begin full-scale implementation of railroad infrastructure projects that drive improvements in citizen mobility and regional balanced development.