Taichung MRT Blue Line Faces 100 Billion NT Dollar Cost Overrun, Opposition Criticizes 'Silence'

The Taichung MRT Blue Line project faces a significant financial hurdle, requiring an additional 100 billion New Taiwan dollars to reach completion. This projected cost overrun has drawn sharp criticism from opposition lawmakers, who argue that the project's total expenditure could balloon to nearly 300 billion NT dollars, almost triple the initial estimates under the previous administration.

DPP caucus whip Chou Yung-hung slammed the escalating costs, labeling the situation a "mess" that the next mayor will inherit. He questioned the financial discipline of the current city government, pointing out that the budget had already increased substantially during Mayor Lu Shiow-yen's tenure before this latest demand for more funds. Chou urged KMT mayoral candidate Chiang Chi-chen, who is also the Vice President of the Legislative Yuan, to break his silence on the issue.

Chiang Chi-chen responded by acknowledging the objective reality of rising costs due to global inflation, wages, and material prices. He stated that major public projects across Taiwan, including the Taichung MRT and Kaohsiung MRT, are facing similar budget adjustments. Chiang emphasized his role as a legislator and Vice President of the Legislative Yuan is to facilitate communication between the central government and the city, and to actively pursue central government subsidies for Taichung.

Chou reiterated his call for Chiang not to remain silent, emphasizing that the MRT network is a fundamental issue for Taichung residents' future. Chiang, however, pledged to continue promoting major construction projects for the benefit of citizens, regardless of party affiliation, aiming to improve Taichung's transportation network.