Tainan:Trains will begin running underground in Tainan on Saturday, marking a significant step in transforming the landscape of this southern Taiwan city. This development opens up new possibilities for the century-old railway station to serve as a gateway to local history and culture.
According to Focus Taiwan, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) announced that the 8.23-kilometer underground railway section will eliminate 23 railway crossings and related structures, improving accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists and easing traffic congestion. The project, approved in September 2009, has seen its costs rise from an initial NT$33 billion to NT$41.26 billion (US$1.3 billion). The full project is expected to be completed by March 2031.
Beyond transportation improvements, the project plans to transform the former railway corridor into a greenway featuring walking and cycling paths and landscaped areas. This will link new stations, neighborhoods, schools, and public facilities. Tainan Station, a national monument rebuilt in 1936, will remain alongside the new underground station, preserving its historical significance.
Fu Chao-ching, an emeritus professor of architecture at National Cheng Kung University, emphasized the station's role in Tainan's urban layout. The new station is designed to coexist with the historic building, maintaining its visual prominence while integrating modern facilities.
The old station could also take on a cultural and commercial role, with plans for cafes, souvenir shops, and exhibitions. Chen Yen-chung, a distinguished professor in NCKU's Department of Urban Planning, noted the opportunity to preserve and interpret the historic features around the station, allowing it to serve as a starting point for exploring Tainan's rich history.
Construction teams uncovered 20 archaeological sites during the project, impacting the schedule due to necessary preservation work. The Tainan City government made design changes to safeguard these archaeological remains.
The transformation will unfold over time, with the existing tracks and structures needing removal and additional commuter stations planned for 2029 and 2030. Ensuring that the freed land becomes a useful public space will be key to reconnecting communities and enhancing Tainan's cultural landscape.