Chiayi light rail stalled for 20 months; minister points to city government's unsubmitted data

Taiwan's Minister of Transportation Chen Shih-kai has directly challenged the Chiayi city government over its stalled light rail project, asserting that local procedures are the bottleneck. "For the Chiayi light rail to move forward, the central government is in place, but local procedures must be in place," Chen stated during a policy briefing.

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For the Chiayi light rail to move forward, the central government is in place, but local procedures must be in place.

The city government, led by Mayor Huang Min-hui, has claimed to have been seeking the light rail for 20 years, a narrative Chen countered by pointing out the formal application was only submitted in September 2022. Despite the Ministry of Transportation quickly approving NT$12.9 million for a feasibility study within three months, the city has failed to provide necessary updates on funding and cross-county coordination for the past 20 months. "The local government has not completed its tasks, so how can the central government proceed?" Chen questioned.

Chen stressed that major transportation projects are built on "professionalism and professionalism" and require step-by-step progress through planning and administrative procedures, "not by arguing." He highlighted two critical issues: a clear funding-sharing plan from the city and a resolution of route planning and responsibilities involving Chiayi County. The Ministry of Transportation has requested these revisions since January 2025, but they remain outstanding.

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The local government has not completed its tasks, so how can the central government proceed?

While acknowledging that all metro systems are locally managed and partially funded, Chen reiterated the central government's full support for rail construction nationwide under a standardized framework. He suggested that if the current city administration cannot finalize these procedures, the ministry will consult with the next mayor. Legislator Wang Mei-hui, a candidate for Chiayi mayor, called for cooperation between the central and local governments to find a suitable solution.

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Transportation projects are built on professionalism and professionalism and require step-by-step progress through planning and administrative procedures, not by arguing.