Kaohsiung Station's 'unopened' escalator to link with future High-Speed Rail

An escalator in the newly opened circular plaza of Kaohsiung Station remains inaccessible, drawing questions from passengers. The Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) has clarified that this specific escalator is reserved for future access to the High-Speed Rail (HSR) station.

The underground circular plaza and its weather-protection canopy at Kaohsiung Station officially opened in late December 2024. With the station's integration with the Kaohsiung Mass Rapid Transit (KMRT) and the expansion of its underground mall, passenger traffic has steadily increased. While over 30 escalators are operational, one in the circular plaza has been consistently cordoned off with barriers and a sign indicating "Office Area, No Entry."

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The escalator will connect to the High-Speed Rail station.

TRA officials explained that this escalator is a pre-built connection to the HSR platform. It will only open to the public once the HSR station is completed and operational. Currently, personnel from the Railway Bureau are utilizing the reserved space for preliminary work on the Kaohsiung Station section of the HSR southern extension to Pingtung project.

The Railway Bureau indicated that parts of the HSR Kaohsiung Station platform level have been constructed, including openings for elevators and escalators leading to transfer levels. The entire HSR southern extension to Pingtung project aims to complete its environmental impact assessment by the end of 2027. Following administrative approval, it is projected to commence operations approximately 11 years later. The Kaohsiung Station, already a hub for KMRT and popular underground markets, continues to see growing visitor numbers.

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Office Area, No Entry.