Gyeonggi Province has announced its decision to launch a metropolitan express train project linking Dongtan and Gangnam on April 2, following the approval of the plan to improve traffic conditions in the new towns of Hwaseong and Dongtan by the 64th Metropolitan Area Transportation Council.

Gyeonggi Provincial Government has made great efforts to resolve the chronic traffic problems stemming from rapid development in the southern part of the province. GTX is an example of the province’s efforts, and is regarded by many as an innovative approach to the transportation issue. 

The transportation development program for new Dongtan city is the result of continuous cooperation between Gyeonggi Province and the Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs, and will be completed by 2015.   

A spokesperson for the province noted that the GTX project, which the provincial government has made a top priority, is expected to be promoted following the final confirmation of the Dongtan-Gangnam express train, adding that if metropolitan transportation facilities such as new transportation systems and the expansion of the 317th local road are completed, the traffic conditions in Gyeonggi will be significantly improved, enabling drivers in Gyeonggi Province to connect with Seoul as well as the major regions in the southern part of Gyeonggi Province.