It's been six years in the making — the Alishan Forest Railway is finally restored and aiming for full reopening on December 25!

▲ The Alishan Forest Railway was damaged by Typhoon Morakot in 2009. After over six years of reconstruction and repair, the final section has finally been connected. (Photo / Eastern News)

Reporter Lai Wen-hsuan / Comprehensive report

The Alishan Forest Railway was severely damaged by Typhoon Morakot in 2009, with some sections so badly impaired that services had to be suspended. After more than six years of reconstruction and repair, an initial test run was successfully conducted on the 15th, smoothly traveling from Chiayi North Gate Station to Alishan Station,Huang Shu-fang of the Chiayi Forest District Office under the Forestry Bureau stated that the goal has been set to strive for the official full reopening by the end of the year on December 25!

The Alishan Forest Railway has long been one of the most beloved travel experiences for visitors. Taking the small train slowly uphill allows you to take in breathtaking scenery along the way — definitely worth the trip. However, in 2008, the section between Zhushan and Fenchihu was washed away by heavy rain, and in 2009, it was further devastated by the powerful Typhoon Morakot, leading to the suspension of the Alishan Forest Railway. In early 2023, the section between Zhushan and Fenchihu resumed service, and subsequently, some damaged sections underwent a reconstruction project costing billions. Among them, the main line section from Fenchihu to Alishan and the heavily damaged parts have also been recently completed.

For over six years since the typhoon, trains have not been able to operate on the Fenchihu to Alishan section. As a result, both veteran and new train drivers have had to undergo rigorous retraining and familiarize themselves with the route and road conditions.The Alishan Forest Railway recently underwent an initial full-line test run, traveling from Chiayi North Gate Station to Alishan Station. Although the initial test has been completed, there are still other ongoing tests and various procedures before the official reopening date can be confirmed. However, the Forestry Bureau and Taiwan Railways have set a goal to strive for the full reopening by the end of the year on December 25.

▲% and ⒗ The severely damaged railway sections have been repaired. (Photo / Provided by the Chiayi Forest District Office)