Transportation

Taiwan’s Oldest City Opens New Underground Rail Line

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By Luffy Li/Tiffany Wong

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Tainan has launched the first phase of its long-running underground railway project, marking a major milestone for Taiwan’s oldest city. After 17 years of construction, trains are now running below ground, replacing a rail corridor that for decades disrupted traffic with crossings, overpasses and underpasses. The project faced significant engineering and preservation challenges, as well as opposition from residents affected by demolitions and displacement. President Lai Ching-te apologized to residents who lost their homes during the project. Passengers will continue to enter through Tainan’s historic station building before heading underground.

A big weekend for Tainan... as the southern city’s railway goes underground.

"It’s a new train station. It has a new atmosphere."

Trains have run above ground in Tainan for decades, with underpasses, overpasses, and crossings disrupting traffic.

Now, 17 years after breaking ground, the first phase of the underground railway project is set to transform Taiwan’s oldest city.

MR. TSAI, RAILWAY ENTHUSIAST:
"Cities need continuous progress. Moving underground can improve traffic flow and solve Tainan’s traffic problems."

Building something new in a 400-year-old city proved to be quite a task... with historic sites along the route requiring careful preservation.

Digging the tunnel came with technical and geological challenges -- as well as protests from nearby residents.

Over 300 homes were partially or completely demolished during construction, and some groups say the project failed to protect the occupants.

CHEN CHIH-HSIAO, ANTI-RAILWAY ACTIVIST:
"I think the Freedom of Government Information Act needs to be amended so that ordinary people who want to know the truth can get all the information."

Plans for the underground line were approved despite decades of protests.

President Lai Ching-te, who previously served as Tainan mayor, apologized to the residents who were displaced at an opening ceremony in September.

LAI CHING-TE, TAIWAN PRESIDENT:
"To the residents that opposed the project I apologize. We are grateful for your cooperation but I’m also sorry that we weren’t able to save your homes."

One thing the new line will preserve: the old Tainan Station, first built in 1900 under Japanese rule and rebuilt in 1936. Passengers will still enter the same historic building before heading underground.

With two more stations expected to open by 2030, this weekend could mark the start of a new chapter in the history of Taiwan’s oldest city.