The origin of the project

The Tainan Project involves the construction of an 8.23-kilometer-long underground rail line from the south end of the Zhonghua Land Bridge (Yongkang Bridge) to the south end of Shengchan Road. The old Tainan Station building was preserved as a historic site. The new Tainan Station was established along with two new commuter stations—Linsen and South Tainan. The project eliminates nine railway crossings and four underpasses.

Plan outline

• The Tainan Urban District Railway Underground Project was approved by the Executive Yuan on September 9, 2009 as part of the TRA Rapid Transit Systematization in the Metropolitan Areas Project. The project is designed to meet urban renewal needs in the Tainan Station area, integrate city transportation systems, and provide a more convenient and modern transportation system. The project duration starts from September, 2009 to November 2026 and  the total cost is NT$33.67 billion. 
• On April 16, 2025, the Executive Yuan approved the third Revised Project Report, with the completion date extended to March 2031 and the total budget increased to NT$41.2643 billion.

Expected benefit

• To provide convenient transportation via metropolitan rapid transit (MRT) / commuter rail.
• To eliminate development barriers along both sides of the railway, thereby balancing urban development.
• To mitigate the existing railway by converting it to an underground system, eliminating 23 grade-separated crossings, including nine railway crossings (at-grade), eight underpasses (five vehicular and three pedestrian), two railway culverts, and four overpasses (three vehicular and one pedestrian).
• To alleviate environmental pollution issues such as noise and vibration generated by railway operations.
• To enhance the city appearance, elevate the quality of life in the metropolitan area, and increase urban land utilization value and economic vitality.