Tainan Railway Undergrounding Completed, Ushering in a New Era of Urban Transit

The surface railway in Tainan city center officially opened to traffic tonight, marking the final stage of the Tainan urban railway undergrounding project. Launched in 2018, the project has cost over 10 billion New Taiwan dollars to relocate the city’s main railway lines from street level to underground. The vacated space has been transformed into a green corridor featuring walkways and green belts, aiming to create a safer, more convenient, and environmentally friendly transportation environment. The ceremony was presided over by President William Lai, who expressed his sincere apologies to the residents displaced along the line and thanked them for their cooperation and sacrifice. This gesture highlighted the government’s commitment to public welfare and symbolized the official beginning of a new chapter in Tainan’s transportation development.

The push for the undergrounding project originated from joint consultations between the Tainan City Government and the central government, with the goal of reducing safety risks at vehicle-railway intersections and improving traffic efficiency in the city center. In the past, frequent traffic accidents occurred at the numerous intersections between the surface railway and city roads, causing significant inconvenience to residents. By moving the railway underground, it no longer shares road space with vehicles, drastically reducing the likelihood of accidents. This change has also allowed for the reintegration of urban spaces that were previously divided by the railway tracks, enhancing traffic safety and providing greater flexibility for Tainan’s future urban planning and development.

However, the undergrounding project has also incurred social costs in terms of demolition and reconstruction. Residents and businesses along the route faced disruptions, including home demolitions and changes to business locations, due to the railway relocation. In response, the government formulated compensation schemes and resettlement plans. At the ceremony, President Lai reiterated that the government would strictly enforce compensation standards and ensure that the livelihoods and economic stability of displaced households are not significantly affected. He noted that the government has consulted with local groups to incorporate the needs of displaced residents into subsequent planning, and pledged to ensure transparency in compensation amounts and resettlement schemes to help affected parties transition with peace of mind.

Another major highlight of the post-undergrounding development is the design of the green corridor. Centered on walkways, greenery, and public spaces, the green corridor reconnects neighborhoods that were previously separated by the railway. This green passage not only provides a venue for citizens to relax and stroll but also serves as a critical barrier for air purification and mitigating the urban heat island effect. President Lai pointed out that the green corridor is not merely a byproduct of transportation renovation but a significant milestone in Tainan’s transition toward a sustainable city. In the future, the green corridor will be integrated with smart city concepts, featuring sensors and data platforms to further enhance urban management and service quality.

From a political perspective, Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-je and President Lai demonstrated a high degree of coordination and cooperation on this project. Mayor Huang emphasized in multiple meetings that the undergrounding would bring greater economic vitality and tourism appeal to Tainan, thereby enhancing the city government’s governance effectiveness. President Lai, citing this project as an example, illustrated the central government’s support and emphasis on local infrastructure, while calling on governments at all levels to continue strengthening cross-departmental collaboration to ensure the successful completion of public works. This model of cooperation also offers a reference for transportation reforms in other cities across Taiwan.

Overall, the completion of the Tainan railway undergrounding project not only resolves long-standing issues of traffic safety and efficiency but also promotes urban greening and sustainable development through the green corridor. President Lai’s apologies and expressions of gratitude at the ceremony underscored the government’s care and responsibility toward the public, laying a solid foundation for Tainan’s transportation future. With the official opening of the underground railway, Tainan is set to enter a new era of a safer and greener city. (Source: Central News Agency)