Seongnam Mayor Shin Sang-jin has successfully led efforts to change the route of the Suseo-Gwangju double-track railway (Suwon-Gwangju Line) to bypass the Sandul Village apartment complex, responding to ongoing safety concerns from residents.
On August 28, Mayor Shin announced, "The route that was set to pass directly under the Sandul Village apartments has been adjusted to go outside the complex, following a final agreement between resident representatives, the Korea Railroad Corporation, and the construction company, Lotte Engineering & Construction."
This agreement was facilitated by mediation from the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission, according to Mayor Shin.
Authorities have committed to adjusting the route outside the apartment complex and implementing measures to ensure resident safety during the construction and operation of the railway.
Mayor Shin has actively listened to the residents' requests for a route change and has sought solutions from relevant agencies. In late December of last year, he met with Sandul Village residents to hear their safety concerns regarding the railway.
In January, he formally requested the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Korea Railroad Corporation to change the route adjacent to the apartments. Prior to this, in November, he gathered residents' demands through meetings and a public briefing hosted by the Korea Railroad Corporation.
Residents of Sandul Village had expressed concerns that the railway passing directly beneath their apartments could lead to ground subsidence, noise, and vibrations, impacting their living environment and safety. They had been advocating for a route change and an alternative path.
Mayor Shin emphasized the need for the route change to be reflected in the plans of the relevant agencies and participated in discussions between residents and these agencies.
Ultimately, resident representatives, the Korea Railroad Corporation, and Lotte Engineering & Construction reached an agreement to change the existing route to bypass the complex through mediation by the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission.
Resident representatives expressed gratitude to Mayor Shin for conveying their opinions to the relevant agencies and facilitating the mediation process.
Residents welcomed the decision. One resident stated, "We were very concerned about safety, noise, and vibrations with the railway passing directly below our apartments, so we are relieved that the route has been adjusted outside the complex. We thank the Seongnam city officials for listening to our concerns and conveying them to the relevant agencies."
Another resident added, "We were not opposed to the Suseo-Gwangju Line project itself, but we were asking for a route that would allow us to live safely. We hope this agreement leads to the project being carried out without disruption while fully considering resident safety."
Mayor Shin Sang-jin remarked, "This meaningful agreement was achieved as a result of our continuous efforts to prioritize residents' safety and a pleasant living environment, ensuring their voices are adequately conveyed to the relevant agencies." He added, "Moving forward, we will carefully monitor the safety and living conditions of citizens during the railway project and actively respond to ensure the project proceeds in harmony with the community."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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