SEOUL, July 25 — Construction of the Wirye Light Rail Transit (LRT) line in Seoul has reached 88% completion, according to Seoul Metropolitan Government officials, with operations scheduled to begin in October 2026. The line promises to significantly boost public transport connectivity, ease traffic congestion, and enhance access to key destinations in the southeastern parts of the capital.

Once operational, the 5.44-kilometre Wirye Line will connect Macheon Station on Subway Line 5 to Bokjeong Station on Line 8, passing through the rapidly growing Wirye New Town. The line includes twelve stops and integrates with other subway lines to support seamless transfers for commuters and tourists alike.

City officials emphasise that the Wirye LRT is part of Seoul’s broader strategy to expand sustainable and eco-friendly transit options. “The project reflects our commitment to creating a convenient, low-carbon transportation network that improves everyday life for citizens,” a Seoul Metropolitan Government spokesperson said in a recent update.

By improving accessibility to key locations, including cultural sites and commercial zones, the line is also expected to stimulate local tourism and drive economic activity in the surrounding areas. Urban mobility experts anticipate the project will help relieve road congestion in one of Seoul’s most densely populated corridors.

The Wirye LRT is being implemented as part of a public-private partnership (PPP), with Doosan Engineering & Construction and other consortium partners involved in the design, construction, and operation phases. Once completed, the line will operate under the city’s comprehensive transit fare system.

As Seoul positions itself as an innovative, sustainable urban development model, the Wirye Light Rail line represents a critical step in reshaping the city’s mobility landscape for the next generation.

Sources: Seoul Metropolitan Government, Korea Times, Korea Herald, Yonhap News Agency