Taiwan’s government is set to enhance its national connectivity through the approval of two significant high-speed rail (HSR) expansion projects. The Executive Yuan has given the green light to a new rail line extending to Yilan County and another linking Kaohsiung with Pingtung County. These projects are expected to bolster the country’s transportation network and improve travel efficiency.
The first major development is the 60.6-kilometre HSR extension from Nangang to Yilan, sanctioned by Premier Cho Jung-tai. This undertaking is projected to cost NT$352.2 billion, equivalent to US$10.9 billion. Upon its completion, the new line will slash travel time between Taipei and Yilan to just 28 minutes, offering a much faster alternative to existing rail services. The route will initiate at Nangang HSR Station in Taipei, traverse through several districts in New Taipei City, and proceed into Yilan, with the final stop close to the Yilan County Government complex, providing seamless links to the Yilan Railway Station.
Construction of the Nangang–Yilan HSR extension is slated to finish by 2037. The Railway Bureau anticipates that by 2051, the line will accommodate around 27,000 passengers on weekdays and 60,000 on weekends. These figures highlight the project’s potential to significantly enhance the region’s connectivity and accessibility.
Additionally, the Executive Yuan has approved a 26.22-kilometre extension that will connect the Zuoying HSR Station in Kaohsiung with a future station in Lioukuaitso, Pingtung City, passing through Kaohsiung Railway Station. The authorities plan to complete the second phase of the environmental impact assessment for this project by next year, marking another crucial step in its development.
These expansions are integral to the government’s comprehensive strategy to establish a nationwide rail network that facilitates travel across Taiwan in four interconnected 90-minute segments. Part of this broader plan includes upgrading the Hualien–Taitung railway to a double-track electrified line and enhancing the South Link Line between Taitung and Pingtung. These improvements aim to increase capacity, fortify resilience against extreme weather, and elevate Taiwan’s overall transportation infrastructure.