North Gyeongsang Province has announced a bold plan to revolutionize its transportation infrastructure with the construction of a comprehensive railway network. The project aims to connect all corners of the province, creating a grid-like system that will drastically improve accessibility and stimulate economic growth.
The centerpiece of this initiative is the Daegu-Gyeongbuk circular railway, a 485.5-kilometer line that will connect major cities including Gumi, Gimcheon, Mungyeong, Yeongju, Bonghwa, Uljin, Pohang, and Yeongcheon. This ambitious project will link existing railway lines such as the Donghae Line, Jungang Line, Daegu Line, Gyeongbu Line, and the upcoming Jungbu Inland Line.
Construction of the Jungbu Inland Line (Mungyeong-Gimcheon section), currently in the planning stage, is expected to begin in 2027. Additionally, the province is actively pursuing the inclusion of the Buncheon-Uljin section in the 5th National Railway Network Plan (2026-2035). This section, part of the Central Western Cross-Sea Railway, will connect Chungnam's Seosan and Cheonan to Mungyeong and Uljin.
Once completed, the Daegu-Gyeongbuk circular railway is expected to significantly enhance connectivity within the region, facilitating the creation of a 2-hour living sphere encompassing the Daegu metropolitan area, western industrial clusters, northern administrative cities, and the East Sea coastal region.
In parallel, the province is also accelerating the construction of the Daegu Gyeongbuk New Airport circular railway. This 162.5-kilometer line will connect Seo Daegu Station to the new airport via Uiseong, Gumi, Yeongcheon, and Dongdaegu. The line will feature high-speed trains capable of reaching speeds of 180 kilometers per hour, enabling travel between the airport and key cities within 40 minutes.
To further solidify the grid-like railway network, the province is also seeking to include additional lines in the 5th National Railway Network Plan, such as Pohang-New Airport, Gimcheon-Gumi-New Airport, Uiseong-Yeongdeok, and Sangju-New Airport.
"Last year, we opened five new railway lines, marking the beginning of a railway renaissance in North Gyeongsang Province," said Governor Lee Cheol-woo. "Now, we will build a comprehensive grid-like railway network to lay the foundation for the completion of the Daegu-Gyeongbuk megacity."
This ambitious railway expansion project is expected to have a significant positive impact on the region's economy, tourism, and quality of life. By improving connectivity, the province aims to attract more investment, create jobs, and foster sustainable development.
[Copyright (c) Global Economic Times. All Rights Reserved.]
