Daejeon, South Korea – After nearly three decades of planning, Daejeon has finally broken ground on its much-anticipated Subway Line 2 tram project. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on 11th at the Yudung Bridge, marking a significant milestone for the city's transportation infrastructure.

The 38.8-kilometer tram line will serve all five districts of Daejeon and feature 45 stations. With a total project cost of 1.5 trillion won, the circular line is expected to boost the local economy and improve connectivity throughout the city.

A unique feature of the project is the hydrogen tram, which is currently under development by Hyundai Rotem. The design of the hydrogen tram was unveiled at the groundbreaking ceremony and will be finalized through a public survey and expert review. The new Yudung Bridge, which will be a key part of the tram line, was also showcased at the event. The bridge is designed to symbolize the city's three major rivers and will feature an elevator and stairs for easy access.

Construction on the tram line is expected to take approximately three and a half years, with commercial operations slated to begin in late 2028. The project is being divided into 15 sections to maximize local participation in the construction process.

“Today marks a historic moment for Daejeon as we finally begin construction on Subway Line 2,” said Daejeon Mayor Lee Jang-woo. “This project will revolutionize transportation in our city and create new economic opportunities. We are committed to completing the project on time and within budget.”

According to a study by the Korea Development Institute (KDI), the tram project is expected to generate 2.45 trillion won in production, 980.8 billion won in value added, and create over 11,000 jobs.