Construction on Taichung MRT Blue Line begins

Taichung, June 26 (CNA) A groundbreaking ceremony was held Thursday to launch construction of Taichung MRT's Blue Line, which is scheduled for completion in 2034, according to the city government.

Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) told the media that residents have waited two decades for the project and that it must not face further delays.

She said the Blue Line will run from the East District to the Port of Taichung, with future extensions planned to the Mountain Line and Coastal Line areas. It will intersect the Green Line at City Hall, forming what Lu called a "golden cross" -- a project she described as central Taiwan's most significant infrastructure development over the next decade.

With construction on the Blue Line underway, the city will now work on all seven planned MRT lines concurrently to accelerate completion of the entire network, Lu added.

The Blue Line will be Taichung's second metro line, stretching 24.78 kilometers from the Port of Taichung to the new Jianguo Market in the East District, with 20 stations planned.

The project has a budget of NT$161.5 billion (US$5.55 billion), according to Su Jui-wei (蘇瑞文), director of the city's Rapid Transit System Bureau.

The line will feature a mix of elevated and underground sections, with coastal stations designed to withstand wind and salt exposure.

Taichung's first metro line, the Green Line, officially opened on April 25, 2021.