Taichung MRT Blue Line Cost Skyrockets, Nearly Quadrupling in 8 Years

The planned Taichung Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Blue Line project is facing significant cost overruns, with its estimated budget nearly quadrupling since its initial conception. Approved by Taiwan's Executive Yuan in 2024 with a budget of 161.5 billion NT dollars, the project has yet to commence substantial civil engineering work, but reports now indicate that this figure is insufficient, requiring an additional nearly 100 billion NT dollars to complete.

Concerns have been raised by city council members, who point to the project's history. During the tenure of former Mayor Lin Chia-lung, the feasibility study for the Blue Line was approved by the Executive Yuan with an estimated cost of 98.149 billion NT dollars. However, after Mayor Lu Shiow-yen took office, the route was reportedly altered, leading to delays. The comprehensive plan was submitted over two years later, with an estimated budget increase to 130.9 billion NT dollars. After several revisions, the budget was finalized at 161.5 billion NT dollars.

Critics argue that if the original plan had been followed, the project would have been completed much sooner and at a significantly lower cost. They contend that the eight years of delays under the current administration have caused the budget to escalate dramatically. The current estimate suggests the total cost could reach 261.5 billion NT dollars, almost four times the original figure proposed during Lin Chia-lung's term.

The Blue Line is planned to be 24.8 kilometers long, featuring 20 stations (eight elevated and 12 underground) and one maintenance depot. The original timeline projected completion and operation within 10 years of the budget's approval. The escalating costs and prolonged delays have become a major point of contention, with critics questioning the current administration's handling of the vital infrastructure project.