Yesterday (12th), the Executive Yuan approved the Comprehensive Planning Report of the Mass Rapid Transit Gangshan-Lujhu Extension Line Second Phase-B, with a total project budget of NT$14.6 billion. This is the fourth MRT route approved as a continuation of the Gangshan-Lujhu Extension Line Second Phase-A, the urban yellow line and the Siaogang Linyuan Line, since Mayor Chen Chi-Mai took office, completing the last mile of the MRT Gangshan-Lujhu Extension Line.

According to the Kaohsiung City Government's Mass Rapid Transit Bureau, the Kaohsiung City Government spares no effort in promoting the Gangshan-Lujhu Extension Line. The Comprehensive Planning Report of Mass Rapid Transit Gangshan-Lujhu Second Phase-B was officially approved on April 12 with the support of Premier Chen and the central ministries, confirming the MRT extension to Hunei District. Simultaneously, the Kaohsiung City Government has initiated design operations with the aim of opening to traffic by the end of 2029.

The starting route of the project connects the beginning of the Lujhu South Station (RK6) tail track in the “Gangshan-Lujhu Extension Line (Second Phase-A),” which runs through Jhongshan Rd., Lujhu District, to Jhongshan Rd. Sec. 1, Hunei District, a distance of 3.87 kilometers. Two elevated stations have been built, leading north to the intersection of Jhongshan and Huanciou Roads in Neihu District. Future MRT service expansion to Hunei District will promote balanced regional development, and increase the convenience and benefits of public transportation services.

The northbound axis of the Kaohsiung metropolitan area serves approximately 354,000 residents in Gangshan, Luzhu, Hunei and other Greater Gangshan areas, as well as the major billion-dollar-output industrial parks along the line, making it a vital component of the South Semiconductor S Corridor. Its promotion is necessary for the urban development of Kaohsiung. The Mass Rapid Transit Bureau reports that construction of the Gangshan-Lujhu Extension Line (First Phase), which will connect Gangshan Station, has reached 83%. The line is expected to be completed and open to traffic by the middle of 2024. A civil engineering and electromechanical system for the Second Phase-A has been outsourced, and the construction phase is reaching its peak. In 2027, its connection to RK6 Lujhu South Station is expected to be completed and opened to traffic. Following yesterday's approval of Second Phase-B by the executive Yuan, the entire line is scheduled to open to traffic by the end of 2029.

The Kaohsiung City Government is actively collaborating with the Executive Yuan's "Great South, Great Development: Southern Taiwan Development Plan" to establish a technology corridor (S-corridor) in order to expedite the redevelopment of North Kaohsiung and inject new development momentum into the area. The Gangshan-Lujhu Extension Line will connect four major technology parks: Nanzih Technology Industrial Park, Ciaotou Science Park, Benjhou Industrial Park (Gangshan), and Southern Taiwan Science Park (Kaohsiung). They will likely develop into a key transportation artery for the city of Kaohsiung's manufacturing sector. A total of 120,000 jobs could be created in these industrial parks. Excellent public transportation services can be established within a 30-minute living circle that features a high-quality public transportation environment.