Tainan Railway Undergrounding Nears Completion, Station Unveiling Set for September

Tainan City is on the cusp of a historic transportation milestone as the long-awaited railway undergrounding project enters its final stages. Mayor Huang Wei-che announced that an unveiling ceremony for the new Tainan Station will take place in early September. While not officially confirmed, there is speculation that the "track switch" to underground operations could occur in mid-October, marking a significant transition for the city's rail infrastructure.

The ambitious project, which began its journey years ago, covers a 8.23-kilometer stretch from the southern end of the Daqiao Station in Yongkang to approximately 0.6 kilometers south of the Dalinglu overpass. The scope includes areas within the North, East, and Rende districts. Passenger service facilities within the underground Tainan Station, such as the sunken plaza, concourse, platform levels, ticketing gates, and ticket counters, are largely complete. The transition will involve switching operations at the northern Daqiao Station and southern Bao'an Station, likely conducted during late-night hours to minimize disruption.

During the track switching period, some Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) trains will have shortened routes, with bus services arranged for passenger transfers. However, the exact schedule and transportation arrangements will be subject to official announcements from TRA and relevant authorities. The project's overarching goal remains to achieve full operation by the end of the year.

The undergrounding of the railway evokes deep-seated memories for many Tainan residents. One netizen recalled witnessing severe train accidents near the Qingnian Road level crossing over 40 years ago, making the elimination of such hazards a poignant development. Another expressed a sense of nostalgia, noting that the sight of the iconic Far Eastern Department Store building, a familiar landmark for those arriving by train, will soon become a part of the city's past as the surface landscape transforms.