The Taiwan high-speed line covers a distance of 345 km along the west coast of the island and is designed to link the largest cities in the country : Taipei in the north and Kaohsiung in the south, where three quarters of the population live.
In the same section
The high-speed line is the largest public transport project ever planned on the island and takes the form of a BOT (Build Operate Transfer) concession contract, enabling the transfer of technology and know-how. Civil engineering work on the infrastructure includes 62 km of tunnels, 252 km of viaducts and bridges, along with 31 km of terracing.
The line is composed of a standard gauge double track. Initially, six intermediate stations are planned with a further three stations to be added at a later date.
In the station areas, the track is supported using Japanese-type concrete slabs along the line with a Rheda rigid track The rolling stock is the Japanese Shinkensen 700 series. The line can carry up to 300,000 passengers a day, at a maximum operating speed of 300kph.
Between 1990 and 1999 SYSTRA was responsible to the authorities in charge of the project for project management for the design studies, viaduct specification studies and inspection of detailed work specifications.
Since 1999, SYSTRA has worked on behalf of THSRC to provide technical expertise and assistance regarding studies, construction and operation. SYSTRA also inspects surveys and building work carried out by contractors.
Key Dates
- 1990 : initial pre-feasibilty study by SYSTRA (Sofrerail) ;
- 1992 : government approval for the route ;
- 1998 : signing of the concession contract ;
- 2000 : commencement of civil engineering work ;
- 2007 : line comes into operation.
Key Figures
- length : 345 km, including 252 km of viaducts and 62 km of tunnels ;
- estimated passenger traffic : 187,000 passengers per day.
