The South Link line () is a line of the Taiwan Railway running across the southern tip of the island of Taiwan, connecting the eastern and western coasts. It is 98.2 km long, of which 81.4 km is single-track.
The section between Nanzhou and Linbian railway stations was upgraded from a single-track railway to a dual-track railway while the other sections remains in single-track. In conjunction with electrification works on the line, train platforms are being lengthened and upgraded with better facilities.
History
Japanese authorities had planned for a railway running between Pingtung and Taitung, but were unable to complete it before World War II ended. After the Kuomintang-led ROC government took control, surveys were completed in 1947, 1958, 1963, 1968, and 1976, delineating ten possible routes for the South Link Line. Construction began in July 1980, and was completed in November 1991. Upon its inauguration on 16 December 1991, the South Link line became the newest standard rail line operated by the TRA, and created an around-the-island railway network. The line began became accessible for public use in February 1992.
In August 2009, sections of the line were badly damaged by floods triggered by Typhoon Morakot. The line was reopened on 30 December 2009.
In September 2010, service was temporarily suspended due to Typhoon Fanapi. The Taimali River () had risen substantially and washed away of railway embankment. The line was reopened on 29 September 2010. The Taiwan Railway Administration plans to spend an additional NT$240 million on a double-tracked, bridge over the Taimali River to avoid future problems with flooding.
Electrification works on the final unelectrified section from Fangliao Station to Zhiben Station was completed in December 2020, with the first passenger services operating on 20 December 2020.
Stations
NameChineseTaiwaneseHakkaTransfers and notesLocationFangliaoPang-liâuPiông-liàu→ Pingtung LineFangliaoFangliaoPingtungCountyJialuKa-lo̍kKâ-lukJialuFangshanNeishiLāi-saiNui-sṳ̂FangshanPang-soaⁿPiông-sânNeishiShiziFangyePang-iáPiông-yâCentral SignalTiong-iong Hō-chìTûng-ông Ho-chìGuzhuang SignalKó͘-chng Hō-chìKú-chông Hō-chìShangwuDawuTaitungCountyDawuTāi-búThai-vúDawuLongxiLiông-kheLùng-hâiDuoliangTaimaliJinlunKim-lunKîm-lûnJinlunTaimaliThài-mâ-líThai-mà-lîDawangZhibenTi-púnTî-púnZhibenTaitungKangleKhong-lo̍kKhông-lo̍kKangleTaitungTâi-tangThòi-tûng→ Taitung LineYanwan Note: Central Signal Station - Guzhuang Station passes through Daren of Taitung County, original set Pu'an Signal Station, now stop working.
See also List of railway stations in Taiwan
References