Incheon pushes to resolve Seoul Metro Line 7 Cheongna extension delays

Incheon city government is drawing up a comprehensive plan to address the delayed opening of the Seoul Metro Line 7 Cheongna International City extension, centering on shortening the construction period, securing rolling stock and expanding alternative transportation, as residents grow increasingly frustrated by the setback.

The city convened the second plenary meeting of its public-private-government consultative body Friday at Incheon City Hall to review the progress and feasibility of measures across four areas tied to the delayed opening.

Deputy Mayor for Administration Kim Seong-jung and co-chair Lee Seong-uk attended, along with National Assembly members Kim Gyo-heung and Lee Yong-u, resident representatives, outside experts and relevant civil servants.

The session focused on key issues examined since August, when the consultative body was launched, across its four working groups: construction management, rolling stock, fiscal and administrative support, and transportation.

On the construction management front, officials reviewed construction plans for each section and presented options for cutting the overall timeline.

Proposed measures include running architectural and systems work in parallel, introducing round-the-clock electrical construction shifts and improving the backfilling process for the side walls of the No. 003 station structure.

The city said it would continue identifying additional ways to shorten the construction schedule, taking into account conditions at each work site.

Securing rolling stock — a key factor in determining the opening date — was also a central agenda item. The city said it is first exploring the option of leasing vehicles slated for retirement from Seoul Metro.

For new rolling stock, the city plans to pursue a joint procurement with Gyeonggi Province's Okjeong extension project, aiming to reduce vehicle manufacturing time while consolidating order volumes to lower costs.

Efforts to secure additional funding are also gaining momentum. The city said it would work with local lawmakers to obtain central government funding for any extra costs arising from the accelerated construction and rolling stock procurement, and would move quickly on related administrative procedures, including adjustments to the total project budget.

To ease transportation disruptions caused by the delay, the city proposed increasing city bus services, adding new metropolitan express bus routes and operating temporary BRT lines. Improvements to the guided rapid transit system's operations are also under review.

Participants exchanged views on the effectiveness of the measures in each area and potential obstacles in their implementation.

The city said it would incorporate feedback from the consultative body into its comprehensive plan and work with relevant agencies to strengthen execution.

The city will hold a public hearing at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Cheongna 3-dong Community Service Center in Seohaegu to brief residents on the response measures developed so far.

The hearing will cover the project's progress, the causes of construction delays, options for shortening the schedule, the rolling stock procurement plan and measures to expand alternative transportation, with residents given the opportunity to share their views.

"I feel a deep sense of responsibility for the delay in the Seoul Metro Line 7 Cheongna International City extension," Deputy Mayor for Administration Kim Seong-jung said. "We will carefully review the opinions raised at the consultative body and the public hearing, put together an effective comprehensive plan and present it to residents before the end of the year."