Major National Railway Plans Begin
The Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Railways and Ministry of State Construction have announced the beginning of a joint planning programme for the expansion of the national railway network.
Transportation Minister Ryong Jung Hwa, Railways Minister Jang Chung Song and Minister of State Construction Ri Sun will lead consultations concerning the comprehensive connection of major Chongroan cities by modern passenger and freight railway lines.
Particular attention will be given to the proposed Leon–Chongro Tunnel, which would cross the Landes Mountainous Range in the north-west and establish a direct rail connection between Chongro and Leon.
Engineers will examine geological conditions, tunnel length, emergency infrastructure, electrification requirements and the potential capacity of both passenger and freight services.
The project is expected to form part of a broader strategy to shift a greater proportion of domestic transportation from roads toward rail.
Officials said that the ultimate objective is to establish a railway network in which major industrial centers, ports, cities and border crossings can be reached through an integrated national system.
The Ministry of Railways additionally announced that future railway construction would take into account the international Pyongyang–Leon–Finlandia route currently under development, allowing Chongro's domestic network to eventually connect directly with the wider continental railway system.