Kim Dong-yeon Declares Vision for 'Comprehensive Railroad Underground Development Project'

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Kim Gap-dong] Governor Kim Dong-yeon of Gyeonggi Province announced his commitment to successfully complete the 'Comprehensive Railroad Underground Development' project, which will reconnect fragmented urban areas and innovate residents' residential and living environments through railroad underground development.

Governor Kim, who launched the second field tour for civil livelihood and economy (Running until things change) starting in February, held a 'Vision Declaration Ceremony for the Comprehensive Railroad Underground Development Project' at Anyang Station on the 12th, making this statement.

The vision declaration ceremony was attended by about 30 participants including Gyeonggi Provincial Councilor Kim Sung-soo and residents, during which the main contents and future vision of the Gyeonggi Province's planned comprehensive railroad underground development project were announced.

Governor Kim stated, "Today I would like to announce a grand vision of returning to our residents land that exists on maps but could not be used. This is precisely the Comprehensive Railroad Underground Development. By moving the railroad underground to make it faster and more convenient to use, and returning the newly created above-ground space entirely to our residents," he said.

Governor Kim continued, "The Gyeongbu Line, which opened in 1905, was a key axis of our country's economic growth, but it also served as a barrier that disconnected urban spaces and living areas, causing traffic congestion and noise. Gyeonggi Province will break down this barrier and transform Anyang into a completely new city. When 7.5km of track from Seoksu Station to Gwanak Station, Anyang Station, and Myeonghak Station undergoes underground development, 490,000 square meters, approximately 150,000 pyeong of new land will be created. We will make this newly created land entirely into livable spaces, rest areas, workplaces, and connecting spaces for our citizens," he announced.

He further added, "Through the Comprehensive Railroad Underground Development, we will supply customized housing where approximately 6,000 households can live in Anyang, and expand spaces for leisure such as urban parks and cultural facilities. Jobs will emerge through connections with nearby universities and locally specialized industries, and as the old and new downtown areas, once separated by the railroad, become connected, the city will be completely redesigned. The city's character and dignity will be enhanced," he added.

Governor Kim stated, "We are working in close coordination with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport to actively pursue the Comprehensive Railroad Underground Development. Starting with the Ansan Line designated as a leading project, we will now devote all of the province's capabilities to the Anyang railroad underground development. When the railroad goes underground, the lives of our residents and the character of the city will improve. We will ensure the completion of the Comprehensive Railroad Underground Development," he emphasized.

The Province is currently pursuing Comprehensive Railroad Underground Development projects on 4 lines spanning 37km across 7 cities: the Gyeongbu Line (Anyang, Gunpo, Uiwang, Pyeongtaek), Gyeongin Line (Bucheon), Ansan Line (Ansan, Gunpo), and Gyeongui-Jungang Line (Paju). Among these, the Ansan Line (Ansan section) was designated as a leading project in February of last year and is currently establishing basic plans.

Through the Comprehensive Railroad Underground Development project, the Province plans to provide residents with △'Living Spaces' that eliminate railroad noise and vibrations and supply customized housing △'Rest Areas' where urban parks and complex entertainment facilities are created in place of the removed railroad △'Workplaces' linked with locally specialized industries such as IT, mobility, and semiconductors △'Connection Spaces' that unite living areas divided by the railroad and innovate the urban spatial structure, adding time to residents' lives.

In the case of Anyang, for the 7.5km section from Seoksu Station to Myeonghak Station, the above-ground areas are planned to be developed as △Business Complex Center (Seoksu Station section) △Public Administration and Cultural Complex Center (Gwanak Station section) △Landmark Center (Anyang Station section) △Advanced Industry Development Zone (Myeonghak Station section).

The Province is actively working with cities and counties to ensure that the Gyeongbu Line, Gyeongin Line, Ansan Line, and Gyeongui-Jungang Line sections, including Anyang, are reflected in the 'Comprehensive Railroad Underground Development Master Plan' being promoted by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

When the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announces its comprehensive plan, the Province proactively secured 1.43 billion won for basic plan establishment service costs in the 2026 budget to facilitate swift basic plan implementation, and is prepared to establish the basic plan for the Comprehensive Railroad Underground Development project as soon as the comprehensive plan is announced.