Kaohsiung railway projects on track for 2017

2015/07/28

Work on three underground railway projects in southern Taiwan’s Kaohsiung City is proceeding as planned, with opening projected in late 2017, according to Taiwan Railways Administration July 24.

Encompassing 18.16 kilometers of the TRA network, the nearly NT$100 billion (US$3.17 billion) projects involve moving below ground three existing stations in Fongshan, Sanmin and Zuoying districts, as well as adding five TRA and two light rail stops. Sanmin’s Kaohsiung Station will serve as a joint facility for the city’s rapid transit system.

As well as providing more convenient transportation services, the projects are expected to spur the local economy, an official from the Railway Reconstruction Bureau under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications said.

“After completion, seven railroad crossings and 16 interchanges will be removed and torn down, freeing up valuable space for urban development.”

In addition, 10.27 hectares of land surrounding Kaohsiung Station will be designated a business district comprising a hotel and office buildings, with the TRA interested in inviting private sector investment under a build-operate-transfer model.

As part of efforts bringing residents and prospective investors up to speed on the undertaking and its business potential, a series of 12 public hearings are to be staged by Kaohsiung City Government’s Urban Development Bureau beginning later this year.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=233035&ctNode=413)