GTX Budget and Operating Costs Under Scrutiny as 'Hot Potato'

The Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly's Construction and Transportation Committee held its first standing committee meeting on the 20th and discussed the viability of the Capital Area Express Railway (GTX) project.

During a briefing on the Green Railroad Promotion Headquarters, Democratic Party members intensively questioned the GTX project, which requires an investment of over 12 trillion won, on issues including 'excessive budget problems and measures to secure funding' and 'the burden of operating costs following private investment project implementation.'

Democratic Party member Min Kyung-seon (Goyang District 3) stated, "Economic feasibility analysis has not been properly conducted, and the excessive analysis results regarding regional economic revitalization raise doubts about project implementation," pointing out problems in the viability of project promotion.

In response, Green Railroad Promotion Headquarters Director Seo Sang-gyo answered, "We do not believe that all of Gyeonggi Province's transportation conditions will improve with just the three GTX lines alone," adding, "The expected effects generated through the establishment of connecting transportation systems within Gyeonggi Province according to GTX routes will be even greater."

Democratic Party member Jo Gwang-myeong (Hwaseong District 4) also asked, "The GTX project requires 12 trillion won and local governments must invest 600 billion won—is there no concern about funding?"

Director Seo explained, "The 600 billion won in local budget is divided as 300 billion won for Seoul, 250 billion won for Gyeonggi, and 50 billion won for Incheon, and considering the project period of 6 to 7 years, the amount Gyeonggi Province bears is only 300 to 400 billion won annually."

Assemblymember Jo further raised concerns, saying "I worry that the GTX project may be rushed and pursued hastily."

Meanwhile, criticism from members regarding bicycle policy also continued. Democratic Party member Song Young-man (Osan District 1) pointed out, "Bicycle paths installed along the Hangang riverside or outer areas are showing formal bicycle policies rather than being utilized as practical commuting or school transportation means, and there is an urgent need to establish more substantive and effective bicycle policies."

In response, Director Seo answered, "I agree that bicycle policies have been inefficient so far, and I will make efforts to promote policies that gradually improve going forward."

Additionally, Grand National Party members Jin Sung-bok (Dongducheon District 2) and Oh Moon-sik (Icheon District 1) questioned the progress and future plans regarding Gyeonggi Province's logistics complex promotion, and urged that careful plans for the entire province's logistics complex be prepared and implemented.