Gyeongnam Province Officially Launches New SRT and KTX High-Speed Rail Services from Seoul Suseo Station

Proposal to the Government for Expanding High-Speed Rail Services to Ensure Universal Mobility Rights for Residents

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Saeyan] Gyeongsangnam-do announced on the 11th that it is promoting the establishment of high-speed rail SRT and KTX services from Gyeongnam to Suseo Station in Gangnam, Seoul.

The SRT, which opened in 2016, currently operates only on the Gyeongbu and Honam lines. Residents using high-speed rail to travel to the Gangnam area of Seoul and the southeastern Gyeonggi region have faced inconveniences, having to transfer from KTX at Dongdaegu Station to the SRT bound for Suseo or use buses or subways for further travel.

Accordingly, Gyeongnam Province increased KTX services on the Gyeongjeon Line last September (adding 4 weekend trips and 1 additional stop at Changwon Jungang Station) and plans to promote the introduction of SRT on the Gyeongjeon Line as well as the establishment of KTX services bound for Suseo.

Currently, SR Co., Ltd., which operates the SRT, finds it difficult to run additional services due to a shortage of trains, but if conditions change, such as the purchase of additional high-speed trains, they are considering operating SRT not only on the Gyeongbu and Honam high-speed lines but also on existing lines like the Gyeongjeon Line.

Regarding regional issues, they have explained to local district lawmakers the necessity of introducing SRT and establishing KTX services bound for Suseo to prevent population outflow to the metropolitan area and improve quality of life, and decided to promote these initiatives.

Additionally, at the hearing for the nominee for Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport on the 4th, Ha Youngje, a member of the National Assembly representing Sacheon, Namhae, and Hadong districts, questioned the introduction of SRT bound for Suseo on the Gyeongjeon Line. Although there are issues such as a shortage of available trains, the nominee responded that they would look into it if appointed.

Yoon In-guk, Director of the Future Strategy Bureau, visited SR Co., Ltd. on the same day and requested cooperation for operating SRT on the Gyeongjeon Line, stating, "SRT operation on the Gyeongjeon Line is necessary to ensure universal mobility rights by resolving imbalances in high-speed rail services and to expand rail transport services suitable for the Green New Deal era."

Furthermore, the province stated that to establish KTX services bound for Suseo, it will seek joint response measures with local governments such as Jinju, Changwon, Gimhae, and Miryang, which are on the Gyeongjeon Line, through visits and proposals to Korail and the central government, and will cooperate with local business communities and various related organizations to achieve results.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.