울·부·경, 광역철도 예타통과 '한목소리' 20250512

(Anchor Commentary) The government's preliminary feasibility study results for a metropolitan railway linking Ulsan, Yangsan, and Busan are expected to be released sometime next month. As this is a key transportation network for establishing a one-hour commuter zone between Ulsan, South Gyeongsang Province, and Busan, the three cities and provinces have launched a joint effort to pass the preliminary feasibility study. Reporter Kim Young-hwan reports. (Report) The 'Ulsan-Yangsan-Busan Metropolitan Railway' Included in the Government's 4th National Railway Network Construction Plan This 48.7km light rail line connects Yangsan, South Gyeongsang Province, and Nopo, Busan, via Sinbok Intersection, Mugeo Intersection, Ulju County Office, and Ungchon, from KTX Ulsan Station. It runs through the core axis of the Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam region and is directly connected to the urban railways in each region. The project cost is 2.4372 trillion won, and construction is targeted for 2030. It was selected as the first presidential election pledge of the Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam Metropolitan Economic Alliance, and its symbolic significance is so significant that the three metropolitan governments have incorporated it into their individual presidential campaign pledges. Ahead of the announcement of the preliminary feasibility study results next month, the three cities and provinces visited the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport to explain the necessity of the project and urge its approval. (Interview) Kim Gyu-pan, Head of the Ulsan Metropolitan Tram Transportation Division: "This metropolitan railway is essential to create a one-hour commute for the 7.6 million residents of Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam, in time for the opening of the new Gadeokdo Airport in 2029." They also agreed to continue their joint efforts on the construction of the Southeast Circular Metropolitan Railway, for which the preliminary feasibility study is scheduled to be completed in December next year. This project will build a 54.6km double-track electric railway and express railway, starting from KTX Ulsan Station and connecting Yangsan Bukjeong, Mulgeum, and Gimhae Jinyeong. With an investment of 3 trillion won, the project aims to open in 2032. To prevent the disappearance of rural areas, rapid inter-city connectivity is key. Passing the preliminary feasibility study for the metropolitan railway is essential. This is Kim Young-hwan from UBC News. Reporter Kim Young-hwan, May 12, 2025