By / Scenic Spots Family (compiled and reported)
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High-speed rail may be extended southward to Pingtung. (Photo / cheriechang1217)
On September 10, Premier Su Tseng-chang visited Liukuaicuo Station on the Taiwan Railways in Pingtung and announced plans to extend the high-speed rail route to Pingtung. Four potential routes are under consideration. Taking into account the number of houses that would need to be demolished along the route, the Zuoying option appears to have the highest likelihood.
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Chaozhou Railway Station in Pingtung. (Photo / Pingtung County - )
While many are pleased about the prospect of high-speed rail reaching Pingtung, a minority of Kenting residents and business owners believe that if the rail is to come to Pingtung, it should extend all the way to Kenting. Differing opinions remain.
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Chaozhou Station in Pingtung: “Under the Melon Shed – A Lively Showcase of Charm.” (Image source / Ministry of Transportation and Communications, Railway Bureau)
Additionally, during his inspection, Premier Su mentioned in a briefing that the Kaohsiung MRT Red Line has plans to extend to Linhai in Kaohsiung, and he instructed that further extension to Xinyuan, Donggang, or Chaozhou in Pingtung be considered. This represents another positive development for transportation and tourism in Pingtung and the wider southern region.
In response to the National Day holiday, additional high-speed rail services — 174 extra trips — will be added. Ticket reservations open at midnight on September 12, with a six-day “National Day Transport Plan” scheduled from October 9 (Wednesday) to October 14 (Monday).