TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Railway Bureau under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC), announced on Wednesday (May 22) that the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) extension to Yilan is progressing smoothly through the second phase of its environmental impact assessment, with no delays.
Since its inception, the THSR extension to Yilan has been a focal point of national development. The MOTC conducted two local explanatory meetings on Sept. 25 and Nov. 17, 2021, to gather opinions from all sectors of society.
Following these meetings, the Railway Bureau submitted a feasibility study and comprehensive planning report to the MOTC on Jan. 4, 2022, recommending a station site located 350 meters south of the center of the Yilan County Government as the preferred option. This proposal was confirmed during a pre-environmental impact assessment review meeting held by the MOTC on Jan. 27, 2022.
The environmental survey work for the project began on Jan. 28, 2022. After a significant meeting by the Ministry of Environment on Aug. 24, 2022, it was decided to proceed with the second phase of the environmental impact assessment.
The Railway Bureau has since completed three public explanatory meetings and scope definition and is currently conducting seasonal environmental surveys based on the scope defined on Aug. 17, 2023.
The bureau emphasized that all environmental assessment procedures are being carried out in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Act, ensuring that the project progresses as scheduled without any delays.
This extension aims to provide faster, more efficient transportation options for Yilan residents and visitors, promising to significantly impact the region's accessibility and economic development. As the project moves forward, the community eagerly anticipates the benefits that the THSR extension will bring to Yilan.
