North Korea continues to expand the railway connecting to the Sohae Satellite Launching Station in Dongchang-ri, North Pyongan Province.
On July 24, 38 North, a U.S. website specializing in North Korea, analyzed satellite images and reported that railway modernization and construction activities have been ongoing at the Sohae Satellite Launching Station over the past two years. The new railway provides an additional route for large components to enter the launch site and could also connect to new buildings currently under construction.
The report added that this reflects North Korea’s anticipation of increased satellite launch activities and long-term use of the site.
The railway connecting to the Sohae Launch Site is a single-track, approximately 15 km long, branching from the Pyongyang-Sinuiju railway. It starts from Tongrim in North Pyongan Province.
The route leading to the launch site splits into two right in front of a covered railway transfer building. One track ends at the transfer building, and the other extends to the launch pad.
38 North predicted that the new railway would head towards the new building being constructed at the site of the existing control building north of the transfer building.
Also, a new bridge has been built over the creek north of the transfer building, and a bridge crossing the railway has been erected on the main road.
While the railway construction and bridge work are nearly complete, the actual tracks have not yet been laid. 38 North reported that it remains uncertain whether the new tracks will end at the new building or continue into a nearby tunnel.
Last March, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspected the Sohae Satellite Launching Station and ordered the expansion and modernization of its facilities. This directive has led to the ongoing construction activities currently observed at the site.