The Korea Railroad Corporation will have its head directly oversee safety operations and establish a preventive safety management system utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) and data. The agency has identified the eradication of illegal and unfair subcontracting, bidding corruption, and favoritism towards retirees as key priorities.
During a report to the National Assembly's Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee on October 13, Jeong Jin-hyuk, the head of the Korea Railroad Corporation, stated, "We will do our utmost to safely connect the daily lives of citizens and achieve balanced national development," outlining four key operational directions.
Jeong emphasized, "Safety without compromise will be our top priority," and announced plans for the agency head to take on the role of a safety control tower, using AI and data to proactively identify and address potential risks.
The agency also stressed the importance of enhancing fairness in the construction industry. It aims to strengthen protections for subcontractor payments and manage illegal and unfair subcontracting while eradicating bidding corruption and favoritism towards retirees, with the goal of creating an agency that is evaluated based on principles and capabilities.
Furthermore, the approach to resolving issues surrounding large-scale railway projects will shift to a more field-oriented strategy. Jeong stated, "Decisions will be made on-site, and problems will be resolved on-site." The agency plans to respect on-site decision-making and maintain constant communication with stakeholders to swiftly address project-related issues.
Additionally, the expansion of the rail network and its role in regional development will be strengthened. The agency aims to timely establish the national rail network, enhance high-speed rail transport capacity, and introduce advanced technologies into railway infrastructure. Plans are also in place to develop idle land and station areas to ensure that railways serve as a hub for regional economies and development.
Jeong remarked, "I will take the suggestions from the committee during the audit seriously, viewing them as the voice of the public, and actively reflect them in the agency's policies and operations."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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