[단독]GTX-C connecting Deokjeong~Suwon, Geumjeongseo Sangnoksu Station section also operates

It was confirmed that some of the metropolitan metropolitan express railway (GTX)-C trains that connect Deokjeong and Suwon in Gyeonggi-do will split at Geumjeong Station and run to Sangnoksu Station (Ansan Line, Seoul Subway Line 4).

This is because, due to the insufficient capacity of the Gyeongbu line between Geumjeong and Suwon, about 25% of GTX trains must be pulled out to the Ansan line and returned at Sangnoksu station. As a result, some of Ansan, near Sangnoksu Station, will be included in the GTX beneficiary.

According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the railroad industry on the 24th, the maximum number of times the GTX-C operates is estimated to be 122 times a day. This figure takes into account the case of running all 74.8km sections including Gwacheoncheongsa Station to Changdong Station (37.7km) to be constructed, as well as existing lines (37.1km) such as Gyeongwon Line, Gwacheon Line and Gyeongbu Line.

The problem is the capacity of Gyeongbu Line, one of the existing lines. It is difficult for GTX-C trains to run all 122 times since there are already many trains such as metropolitan subways and general trains running between Geumjeong Station and Suwon Station.

An official from the railroad industry said, “Unless the number of trains and trains that used to run the Gyeongbu Line is reduced, it is practically impossible for GTX trains to travel the maximum number of times.”

So, after going through Geumjeong Station, you have to make 30 GTX trains, but there is no such station in the Gyeongbu Line section between Geumjeong Station and Suwon Station. For the round trip, there must be an additional line, such as an evacuation line, in addition to the main line, and there is also a need for extra space for the round trip.

For this reason, it is said that the plan to use the Ansan Line, which divides from Geumjeong Station, as a round-trip route, and to return from Sangnoksu Station, where the travel distance is relatively small, was selected. The GTX train entering the Ansan Line will pass through other stations in the middle and stop only at Sangnoksu Station before returning.

In consideration of this, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport decided not to apply the restrictions on the number of additional stations and time required in the case of using the Ansan Line in the’GTX-C Line Private Investment Facility Project Basic Plan’ announced at the end of last year.

Chang-seok Jang, head of the metropolitan express railway team of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, said, “In consideration of the lack of capacity of the Gyeongbu line, we are considering the Sangnok water area of ​​the Ansan line as the turnaround point.”

Some also mention the possibility that the GTX-C’s Ansan line will take longer. The concept of running the GTX train to Oido Station, the end of the Ansan Line, for 2 hours each (30 minutes apart) during the rush hour when passengers are crowded has been discussed. In this case, the difference between the dispatch intervals is large, but the GTX-C becomes a’Y’-shaped route.

However, in order for such an idea to be realized, a positive result must be obtained from the business feasibility review of private companies. In addition, it is inevitable to travel to Sangnoksu Station, but for subsequent sections, additional project cost burden of Ansan City is essential. This is because financing is required for the construction of rounding facilities and the purchase of additional vehicles.

As the number of sections on the Ansan Line increases, it takes longer for the train to return, so it is explained that in order to meet the dispatch intervals, more vehicles must be purchased than originally planned.

Chang-seok Jang said, “I know that Ansan City is interested in increasing the GTX operating section and is willing to bear the cost. But in the end, when evaluating a private enterprise, the effect and appropriateness of extending the operating section will be comprehensively considered.”

The GTX-C project is planning to complete the public offering for private enterprises by April and select a preferred negotiator around May after screening, but the spread of the novel coronavirus infection is somewhat fluid as companies’ preparations are disrupted. Completion is aimed at the end of 2026.

Reporter Kang Gap-saeng [email protected]