The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced today (September 14) that the Metropolitan Express Railway Line C (GTX-C), which had been delayed due to construction cost issues, will break ground tomorrow (September 15).

The GTX-C line spans 86.6 kilometers, originating from Deokjeong-dong in Yangju, Gyeonggi Province, passing through downtown Seoul including Cheongnyangi Station, Samseong Station, and Yangjae Station, and extending to Suwon Station and Sangnoksu Station in southern Gyeonggi Province.

The project will be carried out under a Build-Transfer-Operate (BTO) model, with total project costs estimated at 4.9272 trillion won and a construction period of 60 months following the commencement of work.


Once the GTX-C line opens, travel time from Deokjeong Station to Samseong Station will be reduced from the current 80 minutes to 30 minutes, and from Suwon Station to Cheongnyangi Station from 75 minutes to 30 minutes, according to the ministry.

Although the implementation plan for the GTX-C project was approved in December 2023, the construction contract could not be signed as construction costs skyrocketed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war.

Conditions for breaking ground were established after the Korean Commercial Arbitration Board decided in April to increase the total project cost for the GTX-C private investment project, a decision that was subsequently reflected by the government Private Investment Project Committee.

To inform citizens about the commencement of the GTX-C project and promote the initiative, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has set up promotion centers at Suwon Station and Uijeongbu Station and will host related events.

Kim Yong-seok, head of the Metropolitan Transport Commission, said, "It is an absolute joy to announce the commencement of the C line to the public after facing difficulties for a long time," adding, "We will ensure quality and safety through thorough construction schedule management and see to it that the project opens on time."

(Photo provided by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Yonhap News)