A powerful earthquake in Chiayi County, Taiwan, caused significant delays to Taiwan High Speed Rail services. Authorities announced that operations could be affected for up to seventy minutes as emergency protocols were activated following the earthquake. However, services quickly returned to normal after necessary safety tests.
The Extent of Taiwan High-Speed Rail Cuts
Initially, Taiwan High Speed Railway reported that the entire line from Nangang to Zuoying was affected. However, later statements indicated that only an eighty-four kilometre section of track was affected by the tremors. After expert engineers inspected the infrastructure, no safety risks were identified and speed restrictions were lifted as of 12:45. This development allowed train services to continue uninterrupted.
Temporary Speed Restrictions and Delays
Following the earthquake, Taiwan Railways imposed a temporary speed limit of thirty to sixty kilometers per hour for speed safety. After safety tests were completed, authorities allowed normal speeds to resume. In the early afternoon, some trains experienced delays of approximately thirty to forty minutes. As a result, additional train stops were made at Xinzuoying and Xinwuri stations, and schedules were adjusted.
Safety Measures and Support for Passengers
Passengers were informed that they could purchase tickets without making a reservation, and additional fees were removed for those who could not purchase tickets in advance. Transportation authorities took all necessary precautions to ensure that passengers did not experience any inconvenience and continued transportation services safely and efficiently.
Situation in Southern Taiwan Science Park
Semiconductor companies in the Southern Taiwan Science Park have decided to temporarily halt production after the earthquake. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company and United Microelectronics Company have suspended operations for safety reasons, with no injuries or serious damage reported.
The Resilience of Taiwan's Transportation Infrastructure
Taiwan High Speed Rail authorities announced that after safety assessments, the affected trains have resumed normal service. Engineers confirmed that the railway infrastructure is completely safe and services can continue without interruption. Taiwan’s public transport system remains safe and reliable, the authorities said, stressing that regular inspections and emergency protocols have reinforced the system’s resilience.
Taiwan’s transportation network has performed admirably in the face of seismic activity, with resilience and rapid implementation of safety measures. Committed to passenger safety, efficiency and service reliability, authorities have kept Taiwan High Speed Rail services running safely, minimizing potential disruptions.
