It happened on September 15, Juche 37 (1948), several days after the founding of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
That evening, Kim Il Sung called senior officials of the Cabinet and officials of the Ministry of Transport to his office.
After exchanging greetings with them, he said:
The railways play a very important role in nation building and the economic development of the country. So we planned to electrify some sections of the railways as the first major project after the founding of the DPRK. Our country is rich in electric power resources, so we can electrify all the railways of the country in the future.
All the officials were surprised at his words full of confidence.
Because it was hard for them to imagine the project as the country was just liberated from the more than 40-year-long cruel military rule of the Japanese imperialists.
Looking at the officials full of hope, expectation and doubt, Kim Il Sung, with a bright smile on his face, explained that under the present situation, the railway electrification project could not be carried out at a time, and that the Kaego-Koin and Yangdok-Chonsong railway lines should be done first as their steep slopes caused great difficulties in railway transport.
Then he asked about their opinions.
After listening to their answers, he called for launching the project if they do not oppose it, and said as follows:
The electrification of the railways is of great political and economic significance in the sense that it is the first major construction project to be undertaken after the founding of the Republic. When the project is completed, we can say that it is the first gift to be presented to the people after the founding of our Republic.
He continued:
Needless to say, it is very difficult to electrify the railways on our own efforts under the present situation where technology, experience, materials and all other things are in short supply. However, we must electrify the railways with our own efforts and technology by bravely overcoming the difficulties and hardships encountered, and rapidly reconstruct and develop the railway transport destroyed by the Japanese imperialists. Only then can the country’s economy be rehabilitated and developed to further strengthen the democratic base in the northern half of Korea.
Then, he declared full of firm will:
By completing the electrification of the Kaego-Koin and Yangdok-Chonsong railway lines by the end of December, we should demonstrate to the whole world the inexhaustible strength of our people who have seized power, and the might of the Republic.
All the officials stood up and expressed absolute support to his decision with enthusiastic applause.
He personally took measures to concentrate fund and technicians and equipment available in the country on the project.
More From Uriminzokkiri (En)
City and county organizations of the Workers' Party of Korea are making an intensive study to deeply grasp the idea and spirit of
January 09, 2024
City and county organizations of the Workers' Party of Korea are making an intensive study to deeply grasp the idea and spirit of
The Korean people, who successfully passed the third year of the implementation of the five-year plan for national economic
January 09, 2024
The Korean people, who successfully passed the third year of the implementation of the five-year plan for national economic
The General Staff of the Korean People's Army (KPA) issued the following report on Sunday: According to the ratification of the
January 08, 2024
The General Staff of the Korean People's Army (KPA) issued the following report on Sunday: According to the ratification of the
The very important report and conclusion made by the respected General Secretary Kim Jong Un at the 9th Plenary Meeting of the 8th
January 08, 2024
The very important report and conclusion made by the respected General Secretary Kim Jong Un at the 9th Plenary Meeting of the 8th
Kim Yo Jong, vice department director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, on Sunday issued the following
January 08, 2024
Kim Yo Jong, vice department director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, on Sunday issued the following
All the people of the DPRK out in the new year advance are intent on the intensive study to fully arm themselves with the new idea
January 08, 2024
All the people of the DPRK out in the new year advance are intent on the intensive study to fully arm themselves with the new idea
There are many people in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, who regard love of and devotion to others as their duty.
January 07, 2024
There are many people in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, who regard love of and devotion to others as their duty.
Pyongyang, January 5 (KCNA) -- The General Staff of the Korean People's Army (KPA) issued the following report on Friday: On the
January 07, 2024
Pyongyang, January 5 (KCNA) -- The General Staff of the Korean People's Army (KPA) issued the following report on Friday: On the
Saussurea seoulensis syringin developed by the Kuryongsan Pharmaceutical Manufactory is winning growing favour among users as the
January 06, 2024
Saussurea seoulensis syringin developed by the Kuryongsan Pharmaceutical Manufactory is winning growing favour among users as the
Among those who took the floor at the Second National Conference of Exemplary Young People of Virtue held in May Juche 104 (2015)
January 06, 2024
Among those who took the floor at the Second National Conference of Exemplary Young People of Virtue held in May Juche 104 (2015)
Kim Yo Jong, vice department director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, on Tuesday issued the following
January 05, 2024
Kim Yo Jong, vice department director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, on Tuesday issued the following
Leading newspapers of the DPRK Thursday editorially call upon the officials and working people to successfully carry out the tasks
January 05, 2024
Leading newspapers of the DPRK Thursday editorially call upon the officials and working people to successfully carry out the tasks
The Yoon Suk Yeol group of puppets, who spent days and months of 2023 with dangerous military provocations to push the Korean
January 05, 2024
The Yoon Suk Yeol group of puppets, who spent days and months of 2023 with dangerous military provocations to push the Korean
Rodong Sinmun Wednesday says in an article that there are countries which make efforts to tide over the difficulties and bolster
January 04, 2024
Rodong Sinmun Wednesday says in an article that there are countries which make efforts to tide over the difficulties and bolster
Officials of the Central Committee of the Socialist Patriotic Youth League conducted political work at the construction site of
January 04, 2024
Officials of the Central Committee of the Socialist Patriotic Youth League conducted political work at the construction site of
All the people and service personnel of the Korean People’s Army greeted the New Year Juche 113 (2024) significantly. Visitors
January 03, 2024
All the people and service personnel of the Korean People’s Army greeted the New Year Juche 113 (2024) significantly. Visitors
Pyongyang, January 2 (KCNA) -- The grand art performance in celebration of the New Year 2024 is going on with splendor amid the
January 03, 2024
Pyongyang, January 2 (KCNA) -- The grand art performance in celebration of the New Year 2024 is going on with splendor amid the
A gala evening of youth and students took place at Kim Il Sung Square in the capital city of Pyongyang on December 31, 2023 on New
January 02, 2024
A gala evening of youth and students took place at Kim Il Sung Square in the capital city of Pyongyang on December 31, 2023 on New
A national flag-hoisting ceremony was solemnly held on January 1, Juche 113 (2024), at Kim Il Sung Square. At 00:00 sharp, a bell
January 02, 2024
A national flag-hoisting ceremony was solemnly held on January 1, Juche 113 (2024), at Kim Il Sung Square. At 00:00 sharp, a bell
The Mangyongdae Schoolchildren’s Palace in Mangyongdae District in the capital city of Pyongyang is a base for extracurricular
January 01, 2024
The Mangyongdae Schoolchildren’s Palace in Mangyongdae District in the capital city of Pyongyang is a base for extracurricular
More Articles