Taichung MRT Blue Line Faces Funding Gap for Underground Sections

Construction on Taichung's MRT Blue Line is set to commence in August, with the BC11 civil engineering section slated to be the first to break ground. However, the project faces a significant funding shortfall for its underground components.

According to the MRT Engineering Bureau, the initial budget of 161.5 billion New Taiwan dollars is only sufficient to cover the costs of the eight elevated stations. The bureau stated that the funding for these elevated sections is secured, but only 44.7 billion NT dollars remain, which is inadequate to finance the planned 12 underground stations.

To address this deficit, the bureau will submit a revised financial plan. It is estimated that an additional 100 billion NT dollars will be needed. The exact cost is still being determined as detailed designs are finalized, and factors such as fluctuating raw material prices due to global conditions are being considered.

The Blue Line project encompasses a total of 20 stations, with 8 on the elevated section and 12 underground, spanning 24.8 kilometers. While the BC11 and BC12 sections, both elevated, have their budgets allocated (11.9 billion and 22.6 billion NT dollars respectively), the subsequent underground phases require substantial additional funding. The bureau is also awaiting the review of bids for the BC12 section, scheduled for August 6, to proceed with further contracting.