Parties’ pledges to bury railways underground criticized for being unrealistic
In the lead-up to the upcoming general elections slated for April, rival parties are scrambling to announce ambitious pledges, including those to bury railways underground in major cities. However, criticism is growing as experts pointed out that such pledges lack specific plans such as how to secure finances.
Leaders of the rival parties have been in a race to visit relevant sites in recent days, including subway stations, unveiling their pledges to bury railways underground.
Han Dong-hoon, interim leader of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), revealed the party’s commitment to bury railways in city center areas during his visit to Jangan District in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, Wednesday. He stressed that there will be widespread demand for this initiative.
The following day, Lee Jae-myung, chairman of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), also visited Sindorim Station in southwestern Seoul, emphasizing that now is the time to implement a comprehensive plan to bury railroads underground.
The primary objective of burying railways is to address issues such as noise, dust and chronic congestion caused by train lines operating at surface level. Plans proposed by the parties also include constructing largescale local landmarks in the locations of the railroads, aiming to revitalize underdeveloped city centers.
Both parties proposed raising funds from private businesses and covering construction costs with profits after the development, but they face criticism for lacking detailed funding plans.
Experts argue that a more concrete roadmap is essential to secure benefits through burying railways.
Jang Jae-min, representative director of the Korea Institute for Urban Policy, pointed out that relocating train lines underground in metropolitan areas such as Seoul, Incheon and Gyeonggi Province would pose significant practical challenges.
“It is not easy to erect a building in narrow spaces, especially when the railroad runs in a straight line even after being buried,” he said.
Jang acknowledged the potential benefits of the plan to place railways underground, suggesting it could contribute to urban revitalization by connecting previously disjointed lands and facilitating overall urban development.
However, he emphasized the complexity of the situation to actualize the benefits.
“It is difficult to execute underground construction while the railroad is still operating,” Jang said. “If temporary suspension of railroad operations is considered for construction, careful measures must be taken to address potential traffic congestion in the surrounding neighborhoods.”
Lee Chang-moo, a professor in the Department of Urban Planning and Engineering at Hanyang University, underscored the financial challenges associated with underground railways.
“It is necessary to thoroughly evaluate whether the expenses incurred for plans to bury railways is worthwhile, considering the potential benefits,” he said.
In response to criticisms, the PPP’s Han stressed once again on Friday that the party has considered financial resources and is confident in the implementation of the plan.
“Particularly in areas like Suwon, the strategic nature of the plan is to attract private investors. There is thorough preparation for the financial plan associated with the initiative,” Han said.