By / MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team, compiled and reported
The first phase of the Taichung Railway Viaduct Project was officially opened to traffic on October 16. Since the new station became operational, many passengers have been busy capturing the appearance of the new Taichung Railway Station with their cameras and phones. Quite a few also feel that after the viaduct upgrade, the experience is somewhat like taking a high-speed rail — it feels faster. The old Taichung Railway Station departed its final northbound Tzu-Chiang Limited Express train at 8:55 p.m. on October 15. Early the next morning, the railway switch to the viaduct was carried out, and the elevated new station officially opened on October 16.
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The new look of Taichung Railway Station. (Photo / MOOK Scenic Spots Zhang Yingying)
With the new station in operation, the facilities of the old station on the ground level will also be preserved and transformed into a railway exhibition hall, reflecting Taichung’s urban philosophy of “preserving the old while establishing the new.” In addition to the old station, the city government will also retain a 1.6-kilometer-long retaining wall to form a Green Rail Corridor, allowing smooth passage for pedestrians and cyclists. This corridor will connect modern shopping centers, the newly built National Market, the Central District Commercial Area, the Green River, and the Taichung Cultural and Creative Park, among other leisure, tourism, commercial, and cultural attractions.
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A train slowly enters the new station, offering a refreshing sight. (Photo / MOOK Scenic Spots Zhang Yingying)
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A real view of the platforms at the new station. (Photo / MOOK Scenic Spots Zhang Yingying)
After the viaduct upgrade, it is scheduled to align with the completion of the relocation of Kuo-Kuang Bus. Starting October 29, the stops for 68 bus routes will be adjusted accordingly. Passengers are reminded to pay attention to these changes.
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The ticketing area and concourse of the new Taichung Railway Station. (Photo / MOOK Scenic Spots Zhang Yingying)
In addition, the second phase of the project is set to commence. The Taichung City Transportation Bureau has already adjusted the traffic flow planning around each station and inspected the Taiwan Railways Fengyuan Station and Taiyuan Station to understand the surrounding traffic conditions. More comprehensive transportation measures have been drafted.