Table of Contents
- BuTX, the Express Railway Plan to Change the Future of Busan
- Eco-Friendly Express Railway Design using 'Hydrogen Fuel Cells'
- BuTX Route Map and Locations of Six Newly Established Stations
- 72-Month Construction Period and Vehicle Depot Design Plan
- Current Progress and Future Plans
- The Innovation of Busan Transportation: Expected Benefits from BuTX
- Draft Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment of Next-Generation Busan-Type Express Railway (BuTX) Private Investment Project
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
BuTX, the Express Railway Plan to Change the Future of Busan
The Busan Metropolitan City is facing high demand for movement within the city and is densely populated with major hubs, necessitating efforts to enhance efficient connections and accessibility. As the construction of the new airport on Gaduk Island has officially begun, the rapid expansion of transportation networks has emerged as a crucial element determining Busan's future competitiveness.
In this situation, the Busan City has decided to actively promote the 'Next-Generation Busan-Type Express Railway (BuTX) Private Investment Project' to resolve traffic issues and reduce costs caused by congestion. This project is expected to bring about a revolutionary change in Busan's transportation system.
Eco-Friendly Express Railway Design using 'Hydrogen Fuel Cells'
The BuTX plan, aimed at introducing innovative transportation methods in Busan, seeks to foster collaboration among local industry, academia, and research to discover new growth drivers. To this end, the 'hydrogen fuel cell' method, a low-carbon eco-friendly railway system aimed at responding to climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, has been chosen.
The core design of this project involves utilizing the deep underground tunnels in the urban center to implement the next-generation railway vehicle system. These vehicles are designed to operate at a maximum speed of 150 km/h, and the design speed of the track reaches 200 km/h. This will allow for rapid and safe transit through Busan, offering a differentiated express service compared to the existing urban railways. Such changes are expected to have a significant impact on transportation in Busan as a whole.
BuTX Route Map and Locations of Six Newly Established Stations
The aspects citizens are most concerned about are the route map and station locations. BuTX is a line that connects Gaduk Island in Busan's Gangseo District and Osiria in Gijang County, with a total length of 54.043 km.
The shared section of the railway connected to Gaduk Island Airport is 12.000 km long, and the new main line section of BuTX is composed of 42.043 km. All segments, except for the vehicle depot, are designed to be underground, and a total of six newly added stations are planned.
The locations of the BuTX stations are as follows.
Firstly, Gadukdo Airport will serve as a shared station.
Secondly, Myeongji Station is a newly established open-cut station.
Thirdly, Hadan Station, Busan (North Port) Station, Bujeon Station, Centum City Station, and Osiria Station are all newly established tunnel stations.
Lastly, Osiria Station is set as the project endpoint.
This line is set to start from Gadukdo Airport and connect to Myeongji, Hadan, the North Port redevelopment area, Bujeon, and the Centum City and Osiria tourist complex in East Busan. It is planned as a highly important route that effectively links key locations throughout Busan.
72-Month Construction Period and Vehicle Depot Design Plan
The main line of BuTX is primarily designed as an underground tunnel. Specifically, the NATM tunnels comprise 35.651 km, the shield TBM tunnels 5.787 km, and the excavation method 0.605 km.
The operating vehicles will consist of hydrogen vehicles arranged in a formation of six. A vehicle depot will be established on the ground to manage and maintain these vehicles, located near Gaduk TG in Cheonseong-dong, Gangseo District, Busan.
Regarding the most important expected completion date, the construction period is planned to be a total of 72 months, or 6 years, from the starting date. Due to the nature of private investment projects, it is anticipated that the first shovel will be turned after completing administrative procedures and necessary consultations, aiming for completion six years later.
Current Progress and Future Plans
The BuTX private investment project began with the submission of the first proposal from the (tentatively named) BuTX Express Railway Co., Ltd. on September 15, 2023. Subsequently, on November 28, 2023, a survey to assess the project's feasibility was requested from the Korea Development Institute's Public Investment Management Center (KDI PIMAC).
Ultimately, it passed the suitability investigation in October 2025. This process has paved the way for the BuTX project to take a step forward.
A draft of the strategic environmental impact assessment is scheduled to be submitted in October 2025. Alongside this, resident explanation sessions and opinion gathering procedures will also be conducted. If everything proceeds smoothly, it is expected that a third-party proposal announcement will be made in the first half of 2026.
The Innovation of Busan Transportation: Expected Benefits from BuTX
The Busan-type express railway (BuTX) aims to provide a differentiated express service compared to existing public transportation, radically improving accessibility between major points in Busan. This project is expected to alleviate chronic downtown traffic issues and promote the activation of public transportation. Additionally, it will play a crucial role as essential transportation infrastructure for the successful operation of Gadukdo Airport.
Moreover, utilizing hydrogen trains signifies the establishment of an eco-friendly smart new transportation system. The BuTX plan is set to enhance Busan's urban competitiveness significantly, marking a crucial turning point in the future of transportation in Busan.
Draft Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment of Next-Generation Busan-Type Express Railway (BuTX) Private Investment Project
Chapter 2 Overview of the Development Basic Plan
2.1 Background and Purpose of the Plan
2.1.1 Background of the Plan
Busan Metropolitan City has high mobility demand within the city, necessitating direct connections and substantial enhancement of accessibility among concentrated major hubs, thus requiring urgent expansion of access transportation networks due to the construction of Gadukdo Airport.
Plans are needed to resolve inner-city transportation issues and minimize congestion costs, and due to a lack of land space to build transportation facilities, efficient use of underground space is required.
2.1.2 Purpose of the Plan
Through the introduction of innovative transportation methods in Busan Metropolitan City, the aim is to foster the collaborative environment of local industry, academia, and research, identify new growth drivers, and implement low-carbon, eco-friendly railway systems to respond to climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
This plan aims to create a thorough urban transportation system utilizing the next-generation railway vehicle system (hydrogen fuel cell method) on the representative underground tunnels in the city for safe and high-speed transit (travel speed of 150 km).
2.3 Progress History and Future Plans
2.3.1 Progress History
2022. 12. 12: Citizens' Public Hearing for the Introduction of Next-Generation Busan-Type Express Railway (BuTX) held (Busan Metropolitan City)
2022. 12. 20: Completion of Preliminary Feasibility Study on BuTX
2023. 3. 23: BuTX Promotion Plan Press Conference held (Busan Metropolitan City)
2023. 6. 14: First Business Proposal Briefing held
2023. 9. 15: First Proposal for Next-Generation Busan-Type Express Railway (BuTX) Private Investment Project Submitted ((tentatively named) BuTX Express Railway Co., Ltd. → Busan Metropolitan City)
2023. 9. 28: Supplementary Submission of the First Proposal for Next-Generation Busan-Type Express Railway (BuTX) Private Investment Project
2023. 10. 31: Request for Preliminary Feasibility Review of the Preliminary Plan (Busan Research Institute · Busan Public Investment Management Center)
2023. 11. 28: Request for Private Competency Review (Busan Metropolitan City → KDI PIMAC)
2025. 5. 07: Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment for Next-Generation Busan-Type Express Railway (BuTX) Private Investment Project requested for review
2025. 5. 07 ~ 05. 23: Feedback on Review Opinions from Environmental Impact Assessment Council
2025. 8. 28 ~ 09. 11: Public Disclosure of Decisions on Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment Items (14 days)
2025. 08 ~ 09: Investigation of Environmental Conditions and Flora and Fauna (1st, Summer)
2.3.2 Future Plans
2025. 10: Submission of Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment (draft)
2025. 10 ~ 11: Resident Explanation Sessions and Collection of Residents' Opinions
2026. 1: Request for Consultation on Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment (Nakdong River Basin Environmental Agency)
2026. First Half: Announcement of Third-Party Proposal.
2.4 Content of the Development Basic Plan
Plan Name: Next-Generation Busan-Type Express Railway (BuTX) Private Investment Project
Route Functionality: Urban railway according to the Urban Railway Act Article 2 No. 3
Location: Gadukdo, Gangseo District, Busan Metropolitan City ~ Osiria, Gijang County
Length: 54.043 km (Shared section to Gadukdo Airport: 12.000 km, Main Line: 42.043 km)
Design Speed: 200 km/h (design speed of the track), 150 km/h (maximum speed of vehicle operation)
Planning Agency and Approval Authority: Busan Metropolitan City
Consultation Agency: Nakdong River Basin Environmental Agency
Project Proposer: (tentatively named) BuTX Express Railway Co., Ltd.
Construction Period: 72 months from the start date
Operation Period: 40 years from the start date
2.4.1 Major Facilities Planning
The planned route length L=42.043 km (excluding shared section 12.000 km) consists of entirely underground sections excluding the vehicle depot, with plans for 1 vehicle depot and 6 stations.
[Table 2-1] Major Project Details
| Classification | Major Project Details |
| Length | Main Line: 42.043 km (excluding shared section 12.000 km) Main Line (double track): 35.651 km (NATM Tunnel), 5.787 km (Shield TBM Tunnel), 0.605 km (Excavation) Vehicle depot and entrance/exit line: 2.174 km - 1.807 km (Tunnel), 0.225 km (Bridge), 0.142 km (Earthworks) |
| Vehicle Specifications | 200 km/h (design speed of the track), 150 km/h (maximum speed of the vehicle) Hydrogen trains, 6-car formation (width 2.90m, height 4.25m, length 125.51m) |
| Bridges | Main Line: 0 locations Vehicle depot and entrance/exit line: 1 location - 0.225 km |
| Tunnels | Main Line: 1 location - 35.651 km (NATM Tunnel), 5.787 km (Shield TBM Tunnel) Vehicle depot and entrance/exit line: 1 location - 1.807 km (Tunnel) |
| Vehicle Depot | 1 location (Vehicle Depot) - Location: Cheonseong-dong, Gangseo District, Busan (near Gaduk TG) - Length of vehicle depot: 2.174 km (1.807 km (Tunnel), 0.225 km (Bridge), 0.142 km (Earthworks)) |
| Stations | 6 locations (excluding capacity 1 location (Gadukdo Airport)) - 1 Open-cut station (Myeongji), 5 Tunnel stations (Hadan, Busan (North Port), Bujeon, Centum City, Osiria) |
2.4.2 Scope of Development Plan
Spatial Scope: Gadukdo Airport (shared) ~ Myeongji ~ Hadan ~ Busan (North Port) ~ Bujeon ~ Centum City ~ Osiria
Administrative Districts: Busan Metropolitan City (Gangseo-gu, Saha-gu, Seo-gu, Jung-gu, Dong-gu, Busanjin-gu, Yeonje-gu, Suyeong-gu, Haeundae-gu, Gijang-gun), Gyeongsangnam-do (Changwon City)
Temporal Scope:
* Construction Period: 72 months from the start date
* Management Operation Period: 40 years from the start date
2.5 Expected Effects
By implementing this plan, we aim to provide a differentiated express service from existing public transportation, enhancing accessibility between major hubs while addressing Busan's severe traffic problems and promoting public transportation in the city.
The establishment of the express railway route will create an access transportation network for Gadukdo Airport and provide convenience, and introducing hydrogen trains will aim to create a low-carbon, eco-friendly smart new transportation system that addresses climate change and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. What is the main purpose of the BuTX express railway project?
BuTX aims to solve Busan's transportation issues and introduce eco-friendly high-speed rail.
The BuTX project was initiated in response to high movement demand within Busan and the need to expand transportation networks due to the construction of Gadukdo Airport. It aims to enhance public transport efficiency and alleviate congestion, while introducing an eco-friendly railway system based on hydrogen fuel cells to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create a low-carbon smart transportation environment. Through this, it aims to establish itself as the innovative transportation method of the future for Busan.
Q. How are the BuTX route and major stations configured?
The 54 km route connects 6 stations from Gadukdo Airport to Osiria.
The BuTX route is designed to start from Gadukdo Airport in Busan's Gangseo District, passing through Myeongji, Hadan, Busan North Port, Bujeon, Centum City, and extending to Osiria in Gijang County, covering a total of 54.043 km. Of this route, 12 km is a shared section with Gadukdo Airport, and the main line is 42.043 km long, all of which is in the form of underground tunnels. Major stations will be newly built both open-cut and tunnel style, with a total of 6 stations planned to effectively connect key locations and tourist areas in Busan.
Q. What are the plans for BuTX railway vehicles and the construction period?
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles arranged in 6-car formations, with a construction period planned for 72 months.
The BuTX will introduce next-generation railway vehicles based on hydrogen fuel cells, planned to operate in a formation of 6 cars. The vehicles are designed to reach a maximum speed of 150 km/h, with a design speed of the track at 200 km/h, ensuring safe and rapid operation. The construction period is set for 72 months (6 years) from the start date, with one vehicle depot established above ground for maintenance and management. This planning aims for the swift introduction of an eco-friendly express railway.
Q. What is the current status of the BuTX project and future schedule?
Proposal submitted in September 2023, suitability passed in October 2025, and plans to progress in 2026.
The BuTX private investment project commenced with the submission of the first proposal in September 2023, and in November of the same year, a private suitability investigation began. It passed the suitability investigation in October 2025, with plans to submit the draft of the strategic environmental impact assessment. Following this, resident explanation sessions and opinion gathering will take place, and a third-party proposal announcement is expected in the first half of 2026. The project aims to prepare for groundbreaking through continuous environmental consultations and administrative procedures.
Q. What are the expected effects of BuTX on Busan transportation?
Improved accessibility, reduced traffic congestion, and implementation of eco-friendly transportation through express services.
The BuTX will fundamentally improve accessibility between major hubs in Busan with a differentiated express railway service compared to existing public transportation. It will alleviate chronic urban traffic issues and promote public transportation usage, thereby reducing congestion costs, while also serving as essential infrastructure for the successful operation of Gadukdo Airport. The introduction of hydrogen trains will help establish a low-carbon, eco-friendly smart transportation system, and it is anticipated to be a key project that enhances Busan's urban competitiveness and innovates its future transportation environment.
