Seoul to build 6 urban railway lines, including Gangbuk Transverse and Nangok lines

Seoul's metropolitan government has unveiled plans to construct six new urban railway lines, aiming to enhance connectivity in the city's northern and southwestern regions. This initiative, part of the third urban railway network construction plan, includes the Gangbuk Transverse Line, Nangok Line, Seonam Line, Seobu Line, Seobu Line Southern Extension, and Silim Line Northern Extension.

The ambitious project spans a total of 68.5 kilometers and carries an estimated cost of 9.1996 trillion won. Seoul officials reviewed 250 potential routes based on demand, technological feasibility, and existing plans from the central government and neighboring municipalities before selecting these six lines. The Gangbuk Transverse Line, connecting Mokdong Station to Cheongnyangni Station, will be the longest at 25.79 kilometers.

The Nangok Line is designed to connect areas with limited public transport access, and efforts are being made to ensure its economic viability. The Seonam Line, which includes a main route from Magoknaru Station to Gasan Digital Complex Station and a branch line from Seobu Truck Terminal to Dangsan Station, is an expansion of the existing Mokdong Line plan. For the Seobu Line, the city is re-advertising for private sector partners to ensure continuous progress, while also preparing to transition to a publicly funded project if private participation falters.

Further extensions include the Seobu Line Southern Extension, linking Seoul National University Station to the university's main gate, and the Silim Line Northern Extension, connecting Saetgang Station to Yeouido. Seoul anticipates that these projects will significantly improve subway accessibility, reducing the average access time from 9.97 minutes to 8.03 minutes. A public hearing is scheduled for June 30th to gather citizen feedback, with administrative procedures, including approval from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, expected in the latter half of the year.