Shinbundang Line Gwanggyo–Homaesil Extension Construction Begins… Expectations for 40-Minute Travel from Homaesil to Gangnam

Commute times from the Suwon Homaesil area to the Gangnam Area are expected to be significantly reduced. As construction for the Shinbundang Line Gwanggyo–Homaesil extension section begins in earnest, expectations are rising for the expansion of the railway network in the southern Seoul Capital Area.

According to a video from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, this project is a 9.88km subway extension construction connecting a total of five stations, starting from Gwanggyo Jungang Station and continuing through Suwon World Cup Stadium, Suseong Middle School Intersection, Hwaseo Station, Guun Station (tentative name), and Homaesil Station. Currently, it takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes to travel from Homaesil to Gangnam using an express bus, but once the Shinbundang Line opens, the travel time is expected to decrease to the 40-minute range.

Differentiated construction methods for urban sections... Strengthening safety management using BIM and AI

Since this construction includes sections passing through the old downtown area of Suwon, managing citizen traffic inconvenience and safety is considered a key task. According to a site official appearing in the video, the 'Sequent Pal' method is being applied, considering the characteristics of construction taking place in the middle of a city, such as Suseong Middle School Intersection. This method is explained to be useful for supporting the ground and having excellent rigidity.

Additionally, BIM (Building Information Modeling) simulations will be utilized to reduce citizen inconvenience caused by changes in traffic flow. Through this, the plan is to simulate and optimize the movement of vehicles and pedestrians in advance and proceed with construction by adopting an optimized traffic transition process.

The introduction of smart technology for site safety management is also notable. Through a 'Smart Integrated Management Platform,' the site is monitored in real-time, and a system has been established using an AI intelligent server to automatically detect worker collapses, failure to wear safety helmets, fires, etc. A site official mentioned the importance of CCTV monitoring, stating, "The awareness that various equipment is watching induces safe activities."

Targeting opening in December 2029... Expanding connectivity of the Seoul Capital Area railway network

The Shinbundang Line extension section is expected to increase accessibility to various regions in the Seoul Capital Area through connectivity with other lines such as the Gyeongbu Line and the Indeogwon–Dongtan Line, as well as the Gangnam Area. The video predicted that the traffic inconveniences experienced by citizens, such as issues with bus dispatch intervals or overcrowding, will be resolved through this railway network expansion.

Regarding noise and vibration generated during the construction process, they are being managed within legal standards, and there are plans to minimize citizen inconvenience through the installation of soundproof doors and announcement broadcasts. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport stated that it has set the target opening date for this project as December 2029 and is focusing on safe construction.