TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Alishan Forest Railway and Australia’s New South Wales Zig Zag Railway established sister ties on Tuesday at the Alishan Forest Railway’s Beimen Station.

The partnership celebrates how Taiwan and Australia have overcome harsh terrain to coexist with mountain forests, marking the first time the Alishan Forest Railway has expanded its international cooperation network into Oceania, according to the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency.

Over the past two years, mutual visits have deepened cooperation in railway operations, steam locomotive maintenance, mountain railway safety, and volunteer systems. These exchanges were built on trust and shared values, laying the groundwork for their sister ties.

Wang Chao-pao (王昭堡), director of the Alishan Forest Railway and Cultural Heritage Office, welcomed the visiting Australian delegation and recalled sending two staff members to Australia in October. The Zig Zag Railway offered generous hospitality and shared its expertise in train operations and locomotive repair, Wang said.

He said he hopes the friendship will carry both railways even farther together.

Zig Zag Railway CEO Daniel Zolfel expressed excitement at witnessing the start of this new chapter. He hoped to advance cooperation on dual-track technology and cultural development, including steam locomotive maintenance, boiler technology, reciprocal ticketing, and commemorative merchandise.

With this partnership, the Alishan Forest Railway now has 10 sister railways in Japan, Switzerland, India, the UK, Slovakia, and Australia.