Incheon is making a final lobbying push to place several major rail projects into South Korea’s fifth national rail network plan, with particular emphasis on the Cheongna extension of the Daejang–Hongdae line and the proposed GTX-D Y-shaped route. The city argues that northwest Incheon has long lacked adequate metropolitan rail connections despite continued population growth and development.
The Cheongna proposal would extend the privately developed Daejang–Hongdae line from its planned terminus in Bucheon through Jakjeon Station in Gyeyang and onward to Cheongna International City. A version of the project appeared in the fourth national rail plan only as an item for additional review, rather than as a confirmed project. Incheon says it has asked the central government to include five rail projects in the new plan, including GTX-D, GTX-E, an Incheon Airport extension for KTX services and the Incheon New Port line.
Local pressure has intensified as the plan approaches. More than 7,000 residents have backed a petition supporting the Cheongna extension, and city officials and council members are pressing the transport ministry for inclusion. National-plan status would not guarantee immediate construction, but it would materially improve the projects’ chances of advancing through feasibility, financing and implementation stages.