Taipei starts 1.7 billion NT dollar underground flood control project inspired by Tokyo's 'underground temple'

Taipei is tackling its chronic flooding issues with a significant infrastructure upgrade. Mayor Chiang Wan-an announced the start of construction on the Dunbei underground drainage project, a 1.7 billion NT dollar (approximately $53 million USD) undertaking designed to bolster the city's resilience against extreme weather.

The project aims to increase Taipei's capacity to absorb rainfall from 78.8 millimeters to 88.8 millimeters. This enhancement is crucial for areas like Dunhua North Road and the Taipei Arena, which frequently suffer from inundation during heavy downpours. Traditional solutions like expanding drainage channels or building retention ponds proved difficult in the densely populated and utility-rich underground environment of Dunhua North Road.

Inspired by Tokyo's renowned "underground temple" – the G-Cans Project, also known as the Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel – Taipei's new facility will feature a subterranean pipe system. This system will have a total storage capacity of 32,000 cubic meters, equivalent to about 16 Olympic-sized swimming pools. The main pipe will measure 6.1 meters in diameter and extend approximately 1.1 kilometers, running from Dunbei Park to the Taipei Arena area.

Utilizing shield tunneling technology, the construction will occur 20 to 35 meters below ground, minimizing disruption to surface traffic and businesses. The project also includes potential for hydroelectric power generation. Officials anticipate completion by the end of 2029. This new facility, along with the expansion of the Zhongshan pumping station and upgrades to the Minzu drainage channel, is expected to bring Taipei closer to its flood resilience targets.

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Dunhua North Road and the Taipei Arena area, located within the Zhongshan catchment area, have the most severe waterlogging problems. After the completion of the Dunbei underground drainage channel, combined with the expansion of the Zhongshan pumping station and the widening and renovation of the Minzu drainage channel, these three systematic flood control projects will bring the goal of increasing rainfall absorption capacity to 88.8 millimeters to near completion.