Changwon Pushes for Dongdaegu–Changwon High-Speed Rail Inclusion in National Plan

As the government finalizes the ‘5th National Railway Network Construction Plan,’ Changwon City in South Gyeongsang Province has begun pushing for the establishment of a new ‘Dongdaegu–Changwon High-Speed Railway.’ If implemented, the project is expected to reduce travel time from Changwon to Seoul from the current three hours to two hours and 20 minutes, significantly improving transportation convenience. Changwon City announced on the 30th that it held a discussion meeting at the National Assembly Members’ Office to urge the inclusion of the ‘Dongdaegu–Changwon High-Speed Railway’ project in the 5th National Railway Network Construction Plan. The discussion meeting was co-hosted by lawmakers Kim Jong Yang, Yoon Han Hong, Lee Jong Wook, Choi Hyung-du, and Huh Sung-moo—all representing Changwon—and organized by the city. The five lawmakers stated, “Sustainable development in South Korea begins with balanced growth between the capital region and non-capital regions,” adding, “The Dongdaegu–Changwon high-speed rail project must be reflected in the 5th National Railway Network Construction Plan, set to be finalized by the end of this year, and promptly implemented.” According to Changwon City, despite being the only special self-governing city with a population exceeding one million in the non-capital region, its railway infrastructure remains underdeveloped. Currently, KTX trains from Seoul to Masan take over three hours, with limited service frequency. Unlike the Seoul–Dongdaegu–Busan high-speed rail line, which exclusively operates KTX trains, the Dongdaegu–Changwon section is a low-speed general railway shared by KTX, Saemaeul, and Mugunghwa trains. The proposed Dongdaegu–Changwon High-Speed Railway project spans approximately 84 km. Key elements include straightening the Gyeongsan–Miryang section of the Gyeongbu Line and constructing a new railway between Miryang and Jinyeong to establish a high-speed rail line. The project is estimated to cost 2.9841 trillion Korean won. By straightening the existing curved tracks and increasing the design speed to 250 km/h—more than double the current speed—travel time to Seoul could be reduced by about 40 minutes. The project also considers connecting to the upcoming Gadeok New Airport. To proceed, the project must be included in the 4th National Railway Network Construction Plan (2026–2035), which the government plans to finalize and announce by the end of this year. At the discussion meeting, Jeong Chang-yong, head of the Gyeongnam Public Investment Management Center at the Gyeongnam Research Institute, stated, “This project will enhance transportation accessibility, foster a super-regional economic zone, revitalize industry and logistics, attract population inflow, and boost regional vitality. It will serve as a key infrastructure for balanced development in the southeastern region.” A signature campaign and picket ceremony urging the inclusion of the Dongdaegu–Changwon high-speed rail were also held during the event. Acting Mayor Jang Geum-yong of Changwon City remarked, “The construction of the Dongdaegu–Changwon high-speed rail is a critical task for national balanced growth and strengthening industrial competitiveness. We hope this discussion meeting will help spread awareness of the project’s necessity and serve as an opportunity for its inclusion in the national railway network plan.”