“Where should our region’s railways connect?”... Public input sought on the 5th National Rail Network Plan on the 13th

[Financial News] A forum will be held to hear from the public and local governments ahead of the preparation of the 5th National Rail Network Construction Plan, which will set the direction for the national rail network over the next 10 years. Key topics will include expanding the rail network in line with housing supply, improving bottleneck sections and the scale of rail investment.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) said on the 8th that it will hold an event to gather views on the 5th National Rail Network Construction Plan (2026–2035) on the 13th in the main conference room of the Professional Construction Hall in Dongjak District, Seoul. Hosted by MOLIT and organized by the Korea Transport Institute (KOTI), the event is intended to incorporate a range of views before the plan is drawn up and officially announced.
MOLIT has reviewed projects proposed by local governments and others, assessing their role in the national rail network, future transport demand, the need to link them to regional development and their feasibility. The event will gather views on key priorities, including links with major national industries such as the three mega-projects, responding to housing supply needs and urgently addressing bottleneck sections.
The event will proceed with a presentation by KOTI, presentations of views by local governments, an expert discussion and a public consultation. KOTI will outline its vision and goals for transitioning to a rail-centered transport system with a 30-year outlook, as well as the need for mid- to long-term investment. Local governments will explain key projects in their respective regions and their expected benefits, while experts, civic groups and others will discuss an appropriate level of investment, effects on balanced regional development and ways to improve relevant systems, including the preliminary feasibility study process.
A preliminary public survey will run from the 8th through the 13th. People can share their views on the level of rail service in their area and future investment priorities through the MOLIT website, the KORAIL+ integrated app and QR codes displayed at 24 major railway stations nationwide.
The event will be livestreamed on MOLIT’s YouTube channel. Views submitted through questions at the venue and online comments will also be discussed.
Kim Tae-byeong, director general of MOLIT’s Railway Bureau, said, “Rail networks must be planned with an eye beyond the convenience of getting around today, looking ahead to people’s lives and regional development over the next 30 years,” and asked people to “share a range of views on the inconveniences they experience when using railways and the changes they would like to see in the future.”


[email protected] Choi Ga-young Reporter