TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Railway Bureau stated Tuesday that the Taoyuan railway underground project will be delayed, with the main line expected to begin operations in January 2033, over three years later than initially planned.
The delay is primarily due to the addition of a southward extension to Pingzhen District. As part of this extension, three new commuter stations, Zhonglu, Taoyuan Hospital, and Zhongyuan, are now expected to open in September 2034, according to CNA.
In addition to the extended timeline, the project’s budget has risen by more than NT$70 billion (US$2.3 billion), bringing the total cost to NT$181.7 billion. This increase reflects rising material costs, the Pingzhen extension, and the partial underground construction of parking facilities, according to Bureau official Huang Shih-ming (黃士銘).
Originally approved in 2020 and launched in 2021, the project aims to convert Taoyuan's above-ground rail section into an underground transit corridor. As of now, construction is 32.63% complete.
Much of the early work has focused on relocating temporary tracks, which accounts for a smaller portion of the budget, Huang said. Significant progress is expected later this year as major structural works, such as diaphragm wall construction, begin.
The 17.9-km project spans from New Taipei City’s Yingge District to Taoyuan’s Pingzhen District. It includes three existing stations, Taoyuan, Neili, and Zhongli, and the addition of five new commuter stations.
Taoyuan and Zhongli stations will serve as key transit hubs. Taoyuan Station will connect with the Taoyuan Metro, while Zhongli Station will link to the future extension of the Taoyuan Airport MRT, improving regional connectivity and airport access.
Railway Bureau Deputy Director Lu Hsin-hsi (呂欣曦) explained that the delay is mainly due to the newly added Pingzhen extension and failed tenders. Once completed, the underground railway system is expected to significantly enhance transportation efficiency and integration across the Taoyuan metropolitan area.
