CHIAYI (TVBS News) — The Alishan Forest Railway, a project costing approximately NT$2.3 billion and taking 15 years to complete, is finally nearing completion. The railway is expected to be fully operational by July 1, 2024, with the aim of connecting Chiayi and transforming it into an international tourist destination.
The Alishan Forest Railway has been out of service since 2009, when Typhoon Morakot caused 421 disasters. After six years of repairs, the railway was scheduled to reopen at the end of 2015. However, Typhoon Dujuan's powerful assault caused two large collapses, each 55 meters long, resulting in the railway's continued closure.
The restoration project, which cost around NT$416 million from the Forward-Looking Infrastructure budget, used various reconstruction methods to overcome the challenges of the mountainous area, which is over 1,600 meters above sea level and inaccessible by road. Despite the low temperatures and dense fog, the project team worked day and night to rebuild the tunnel, which was finally completed on Dec. 29, 2022, and the main body of the project was completed on Dec. 20, 2023.
An additional NT$1.913 billion from the Forward-Looking Infrastructure budget was allocated for the purchase of new vehicles. The meticulously crafted "Formosensis" cost approximately NT$67.5 million. The railway track is nearly finished and is expected to be operational by July 1.
The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency said on April 9 that it plans to use the Alishan Forest Railway as a hub to connect Chiayi County and city areas. The agency aims to promote regional planning through inter-ministerial cooperation, advancing towards international urban and rural development. It will provide domestic and foreign tourists with the opportunity to enjoy Taiwan's first forest healing trail.