Gyeonggi Transportation Corporation President Minkyung Sun Visits Wirye Line Tram Construction Site to Inspect Project Progress

Steps Toward a Railway-Centered Transportation System in Gyeonggi Province
Discussion on Challenges and Solutions for Each Stage of Tram Construction, Technology, and Safety Measures
Laying the Foundation for Railway-Based Services and Future Tram Operation Participation

The Gyeonggi Transportation Corporation (Railway Business Division) visited the construction site of the Wirye Line, Korea's first tram, on the 17th to check the progress of the project.

Minkyung Sun, president of Gyeonggi Transportation Corporation, visited the construction site of Wirye Line, Korea's first tram, on the 17th to check the progress of the project. Photo by Gyeonggi Transportation Corporation

The purpose of this site visit was to directly identify difficulties and issues encountered during tram construction and to discuss solutions, in preparation for future tram construction and operation in Gyeonggi Province.

The Wirye Line tram is the first full-scale streetcar project to be built in Korea. Trams are a representative eco-friendly, next-generation transportation mode that help alleviate traffic congestion and reduce carbon emissions. They enhance the convenience of short-distance travel within urban areas, generate demand for public transportation, and provide transportation services centered around residential areas.

As it prepares for railway projects, the Gyeonggi Transportation Corporation visited the Wirye Line construction site with the goal of establishing a tram system unique to Gyeonggi Province. Building on this experience, the corporation aims to develop an integrated transportation system encompassing both railways and trams, thereby improving transportation convenience for residents.

On site, discussions and inquiries focused on practical issues, including: difficulties and solutions at each stage of tram construction; strategies for securing tram technology; safety enhancement measures; demand creation strategies; establishment of signaling systems; and sharing of construction know-how.

In particular, the highest priority was placed on the safety and convenience of residents, with in-depth discussions on ways to proactively address potential issues that may arise during future operations.

With this site inspection as a turning point, the Gyeonggi Transportation Corporation plans to take a leading role in both the construction and operation of future tram projects in Gyeonggi Province.

The corporation intends to connect the know-how accumulated during the construction process to the operational phase, establishing a railway operation model tailored to Gyeonggi Province. Through this, it will strengthen the railway-centered transportation system and secure a foundation for expanding such models not only to trams but also to other urban rail projects within the province.

Minkyung Sun, president of Gyeonggi Transportation Corporation, stated, "The Wirye Line tram project marks a new milestone in Korea's railway transportation. We will apply the experience and know-how gained from this site to all aspects of railway construction and operation in Gyeonggi Province, achieving a transportation service innovation that residents can truly feel."

In addition, the Gyeonggi Transportation Corporation has made various efforts for railway projects. In January last year, it produced and distributed the "2024 Comprehensive Railway Work Manual" to support the smooth advancement of railway work by provincial, city, and county governments. In March, it participated in the launch ceremony of the "Urban Railway Operators Council" organized by the Metropolitan Area Transportation Committee.

In May, the corporation successfully completed a feasibility study on participation in railway projects. On August 28 (Thursday), it held an inauguration ceremony for the Railway Business Division, attended by the director of the Metropolitan Area Transportation Operations Bureau and the director of the Gyeonggi Province Railway, Port, and Logistics Bureau. On September 11, it attended the "3rd Gyeonggi Railway Academy," continuing active efforts to achieve the goal of becoming a specialized public enterprise in the railway sector.

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