Taichung Green Line metro full-track construction bidding begins amid budget concerns

Taichung's Green Line metro project has officially entered a new phase with the launch of bidding for its comprehensive track construction. This significant step covers the entire 24.78-kilometer route, including both elevated and underground sections, as well as the Longjing maintenance depot. The budget allocated for this specific track work is approximately NT$3.8 billion.

The Green Line project, initiated during Mayor Lu Shiow-yen's nearly eight-year tenure, has been marked by considerable challenges and delays. While the electromechanical systems and the Longjing depot began construction in June 2025, the full civil works faced prolonged postponements. Recently, however, progress has been made with groundbreaking ceremonies for elevated sections and the completion of bids for other segments, with construction expected to commence by year-end.

Despite these advancements, concerns linger regarding the project's overall financial scope. After accounting for related budgets and land acquisition costs, the approved budget of NT$161.5 billion for the Green Line appears insufficient. The Taichung Mass Rapid Transit Bureau estimates an additional NT$100 billion to NT$130 billion may be required to complete the entire line, a figure that has drawn significant public attention.

The track construction contract, designated BT11, will integrate design and construction phases to mitigate interface risks and enhance efficiency. The project aims to incorporate wear-resistant rails to extend service life and reduce maintenance needs. Additionally, the design includes a movable frog system for turnouts to minimize train impact, noise, and vibration, ensuring smoother operations and reduced environmental impact along the route.

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The track engineering is an important interface connecting civil engineering, bridges, tunnels, and electromechanical systems, and it is the key foundation for subsequent train testing and future operations.