Taiwan Railway Faces Major Disruptions: Power Failure Causes Widespread Delays
A significant power failure on the Taiwan Railway has led to extensive delays and passenger frustration, particularly on the lines between Taoyuan and Zhongli. Commuters experienced major disruptions on Thursday as services were severely impacted, with some express trains reduced to a crawl.
Passengers traveling between Taoyuan and Zhongli faced considerable difficulties as the railway system grappled with multiple faults. Reports indicate that the “Zhongli-Taoyuan” tram line experienced a complete suspension of service until 8:00 PM local time. The initial estimate for restoration was pushed back twice, ultimately projecting a return to normal operations before 9:00 PM.
Power Equipment Failure at the Heart of the Issue
The core of the problem stems from a failure in the power equipment servicing the Taoyuan-Zhongli section of the railway. According to a company release, engineers are working to restore full power, but the process is complex. To mitigate the impact, a section of the line has been temporarily converted to single-lane, two-way traffic for emergency repairs.
This temporary measure, while allowing some trains to proceed, has inevitably led to further delays. The “Neili-Zhongli” tram line is also experiencing abnormal operations, running on a single track and contributing to the overall congestion.
Passenger Anger as Express Trains Grind to a Halt
The disruptions have sparked considerable anger among passengers. Reports from the scene describe crowded platforms and widespread frustration as the normally swift express trains were forced to operate at significantly reduced speeds. “Passengers were furious,” one eyewitness reported, “the express train became a slow train.”
The railway authority is urging travelers to exercise caution and anticipate further delays. A senior official stated that every effort is being made to expedite the repairs and minimize the inconvenience to commuters.
Ongoing Repairs and Expected Timelines
As of Thursday evening, the Taiwan Railway is focused on restoring full power to the affected section. The expectation is that services will be back to normal before 9:00 PM, but passengers are advised to check for updates before commencing their journeys.
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The incident highlights the vulnerability of Taiwan’s railway infrastructure and the need for continued investment in modernization and maintenance to prevent similar disruptions in the future.
