SEOUL: The Seoul city government has unveiled a comprehensive plan to relocate 94 percent of the capital's above-ground railway sections underground, aiming to transform the reclaimed land into extensive green spaces. This initiative, announced on Wednesday, is set to impact 67.6 kilometers of railway across 15 districts, with construction anticipated to begin in 2027. According to Yonhap News Agency, the ambitious project will affect 39 stations and is expected to create 1.22 million square meters of land designated for parks and green areas. The plan includes the development of certain stations, such as Yeongdeungpo and Shinchon, into significant cultural and commercial hubs. The city government cited persistent issues such as noise, vibrations, and the disconnection of urban centers as primary reasons for the railway burial project. The surrounding areas' aging infrastructure also necessitated this large-scale urban development. Seoul previously demonstrated the feasibility of such projects with the su ccessful transformation of the Gyeongui Line into a 6.3-kilometer public park, known as Gyeongui Line Forest Park or "Yeontral Park," in 2016. This initiative has been well-received by the public. The estimated cost of the new railway burial project is approximately 25.6 trillion won, or US$18.5 billion, reflecting the significant investment required to reshape the city's infrastructure and urban landscape.
