Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Kang Ho-in delivers his commemorative speech at the 117th anniversary event of Railway Day on Sept. 8.

Minister Kang Ho-in of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport called for massive investments in railway technology development to ensure the development of the Korean railway industry.

MOLIT Minister Kang made the remarks in his commemorative speech at a ceremony to mark the 117th anniversary of Railway Day on Sept. 8. Railway Day falls on Sept. 18 every year in celebration of the opening of Korea’s first railway section between Noryangjin, Seoul and Jaemulpo, Incheon in 1899. 

The anniversary event was advanced to Sept. 8 from Sept. 18, which also coincided with the traditional Chuseok holiday. 

Among about 350 people on hand at the anniversary event held at the Railway Twin Tower in Daejeon were Minister Kang, Korea Railway Network (KR) Chairman & CEO Kang Yeong-il and concurrently chairman of the Korean Railway Association (KORASS), Korea Railroad Corp. (Korail) President Hong Soon-man, and Chairman Kim Jung-shik of the National Assembly Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee.

Minister Kang said, “Korea’s tremendous strides with the opening of the Geyongbu (Seoul-Busan) High-speed Railway and the Honam High-speed Railway for the past 20 years is owned to 100,000 railway workers unwavering dedication and devoting themselves,” he said. 

Minister Kang added, “It’s essential to invest in railway technology for the development of the railway industry to ensure that railways become the most energy efficient, eco-friendly transportation means. Let’s go for massive technology innovation.” 

He stressed that the government does not spare efforts to aggressively provide support and investment to help the Korean railway industry to explore foreign markets. He urged companies to make their utmost in winning overseas railway orders. 

The government will overhaul railway management regimes and make facility investments to the levels of advanced countries so that passengers can use railways in a safe and convenient fashion, Kang said. 

In his commemorative speech, KORASS Chairman & KR Chairman Kang called for large- and small-sized companies to collaborate in tapping the overseas market. 

“If the government, public entities, large- and small-sized companies maintain organic cooperation to enter the overseas market, Korea will be able to have a great competitive edge,” he said. During the anniversary event, MOLIT Minister Kang presented MOLIT minister’s prizes to those 160 people who have contributed to the development of the railway industry. The anniversary event also coincided with national fusion guak performances and other events, including a photo exhibition, to comfort railway workers.

MOLIT Minister Kang holds a meeting with railway industry and business representatives in celebration of Railway Day. (Photos: MOLIT)