DPRK, ROK to start inspecting cross-border railways

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The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the Republic of Korea (ROK) are expected to start inspections on how to re-connect railroads across their border this week, government officials said on Sunday.

"The Koreas are known to be discussing ways to conduct the inspection of the Gyeongui line starting late this week," reported Yonhap on Sunday citing a government source.

"The schedule is flexible, depending on consultations between the government and the United Nations Command (UNC) over the passage of the Military Demarcation Line," a government official noted.

A passenger holds up a train ticket from Seoul to Pyongyang, June 3, 2018. /VCG Photo

Seoul said they will soon begin field surveys of the western Gyeongui railway, and next month, it'll focus on a railway along the east coast.

In April, the leaders of the two countries agreed to work together on modernizing and connecting railways over their border as part of efforts to deepen ties.

In August, DPRK and ROK officials held a meeting to discuss the railway cooperation with the expectation to discuss schedules and other details.

The meeting marks the second of its kind since their first joint research team meeting was held on July 24 in the DPRK's border city of Kaesong.

(Cover photo: An aerial photo shows the completed railway bridge across Sokjon Bay, part of the completed Koam-Tapchon railway in Pyongyang, May 25, 2018. /VCG Photo)