TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) confirmed on Monday (Jan. 29) that it has approved a comprehensive plan for the Taichung Metro Blue Line and a feasibility study for the Taiwan Railway's coastline dual-track.
The completion of the transit system is estimated to be in 10 years, costing NT＄1615.14 billion, with NT＄675.59 billion borne by the central government.
The Blue Line is the city's most crucial east-west axis, starting from the west at Taichung Port and traveling east through Shalu and Xitun to Taichung city center. It will connect with the Green Line to form a cross-axis network.
An agreement on the deployment of the Blue Line's Shalu Overpass section was reached by the MOTC and Taichung City Government on Nov. 28, 2023, and Jan. 19, 2024.
The MOTC stated that completing the Taichung Metro Blue Line and the Taichung Port rail line's dual track system will help improve the Taichung area's rail infrastructure.
The MOTC also stated that it is expected to spur the balanced development of urban, rural, and coastal regions.