City wants lines included in 5th National Railway Network Construction Plan
The Siheung city government on Wednesday urged residents to participate in a survey being conducted by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport as part of efforts to shape the 5th National Railway Network Construction Plan, hoping the city's rail expansion needs will be reflected in the national blueprint.
The 5th National Railway Network Construction Plan is a mid-to-long-term statutory plan covering the direction and investment strategy for the national rail network from 2026 to 2035. The ministry is conducting the survey to gather broad input from the public, local governments and experts during the planning process.
The survey consists of 13 questions covering priority policy goals for rail network development, criteria for selecting new rail projects and regional investment directions. Residents can participate through the ministry's website, the Korail integrated app or QR codes on promotional materials until 3 p.m. Friday.
The city says it needs to expand a rail-centered metropolitan transport network to keep pace with sustained urban growth and rising demand for wide-area travel, while improving residents' mobility and access to key hubs across the greater Seoul area.
Siheung has identified two projects as its top rail priorities — the Sincheon-Sillim Line and an extension of the GTX-C line to Oido Station — and is pushing for both to be included in the 5th National Railway Network Construction Plan.
The Sincheon-Sillim Line would connect Siheung with southern Seoul, improving access to the capital and easing commuter congestion. The GTX-C extension to Oido Station is expected to expand the reach of the metropolitan express rail network, boosting residents' regional mobility and strengthening the city's competitiveness.
"The 5th National Railway Network Construction Plan is a critical blueprint that will set the direction of national rail policy for the next decade," a city official said. "We ask for residents' attention and active participation so that the Sincheon-Sillim Line and the GTX-C Oido Station extension can be included in the national plan."
pjh@heraldcorp.com
