[5][6] In August 1980, Kim Il Sung ordered the construction of a new east–west transversal trunk line in the extreme north of the country.

From Hyesan to Wiyŏn it was to have shared the existing standard gauge trackage of the Paektusan Ch'ŏngnyŏn Line.

Then, new track was to be laid between Poch'ŏn and Rimyŏngsu and between Motka and Hŭngam to connect the regauged sections into a complete line.

[8] Although some initial work was started on the second stage, the DPRK's financial crisis of the 1990s led to the project being suspended until 2007.

[6] A ceremony was held on 15 November 2009,[5] but due to a shortage of materials construction was again suspended in August of the same year.