Taiwan High Speed Rail's New N700ST Train Arrives, Drawing Enthusiast Crowds

Taiwan High Speed Rail celebrated the arrival of its new N700ST generation train, a significant upgrade after 22 years. The train arrived at Kaohsiung Port on Saturday, where local dignitaries including Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai and Transportation Minister Chen Shih-kai attended a welcome ceremony.

The excitement continued late Sunday night as the train's head was transported to the Yanchao General Depot. This nocturnal journey, conducted in segments using heavy-duty trailers, captivated numerous rail enthusiasts who gathered along the route to capture the historic moment. Many expressed awe at seeing a high-speed train on the road for the first time in their lives.

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I've lived for 20 years and this is the first time I've seen a high-speed train on the road.

The N700ST train's components were moved from Pier 74 of Kaohsiung Port. The transport operation, involving three heavy-duty tractor-trailers for carriages 9, 10, and 11, took about an hour and a half. The Yanchao General Depot, the core maintenance and assembly base for Taiwan High Speed Rail, became a focal point for photographers eager to catch a glimpse of the new train.

High Speed Rail authorities stated they would not announce transport times in advance, citing safety concerns and the desire to prevent people from following the convoy unsafely. The arrival and subsequent transport of the N700ST train have generated considerable public interest, highlighting the community's passion for rail infrastructure and technological advancements.

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The N700ST carriage is finally home today.