Countdown for the Taolin Railway: The last coal train bids farewell on December 31

Travel Center / Taoyuan Report

In the early days, Taiwan Railways (TRA) established the Linkou Branch Line specifically to transport coal from Taoyuan to the Linkou Power Plant. However, in just four days—on the last day of 2012 (Republic of China Year 101)—the Taolin Railway and the Linkou coal trains will retire after fulfilling their mission, officially becoming history. Fans of railways should seize this final opportunity to take photos, as the Taolin Railway has had a long "coal-driven" run, and once this year is over, there’ll be no more time.

▲The Taolin Railway and Linkou coal trains will officially retire on December 31. (Photo / Courtesy of the Ministry of Economic Affairs official website)

The Linkou Branch Line, stretching 19.2 kilometers, was a dedicated coal transportation railway from Taoyuan to the Linkou Power Plant. At that time, Taiwan Power Company (Taipower) funded NT$71.8 million to commission TRA to build the line, later offsetting costs through coal transport fees. Currently, all assets of the Taolin Railway belong to TRA. Since its inauguration on January 1, 1968, over the past 45 years, it has weathered energy crises and survived the impact of the 921 Earthquake. Coal trains tirelessly hauled black coal, transporting a total of over 58.46 million metric tons to supply the Linkou Power Plant and bring light to Taiwan.

Taipower stated that in the early days, the areas along the Linkou Branch Line were mostly rice fields and scattered factories. Later, due to urban development in Luzhu District, Taoyuan County, and a significant increase in residents, this railway—which was not originally intended for passenger transport—began offering commuter services in response to public demand. In 2005, Taoyuan County Government rented two diesel railcars from TRA to operate passenger trains, which were named the "Taolin Railway," providing a convenient commuting option for local students and office workers.

To accommodate the elevated rail project of the TRA’s mainline between Taoyuan and Zhongli, the Taolin Railway will bid farewell to its last Linkou coal train on December 31, marking the end of an era for the beloved train sounds. Next year, coal will be transported by trucks from Taipei Harbor instead. By 2016 (Republic of China Year 105), once the power plant’s dedicated coal unloading dock is completed and operational, coal ships will directly unload coal into the plant, significantly reducing transportation costs and contributing to greater environmental protection.