국가재건최고회의
Following the 1961 coup, the Supreme Council for National Reconstruction started South Korea's first five-year plan, which included a construction program to complete the railway network, to foster economic growth. Under the program, the Gyeongbuk Line was extended to Yeongju, to create a connection both with the Jungang Line and the Yeongdong Line, allowing the transport of coal from the latter. Work began in May 1962, the from Jeomchon to Yecheon was opened in January 1966, the from Yecheon to Yeongju was opened on 10 October 1966. The complete line is long, and remains single-tracked and unelectrified.