Eastern Taiwan is facing a major transportation challenge after a severe landslide in Hualien’s Xiulin Township on Sunday disrupted critical railway services between Heren and Chongde stations. The state-run Taiwan Railway Corporation (TRA) has confirmed that services will partially resume on Wednesday, with full restoration anticipated by Saturday, provided ongoing repair efforts proceed as planned.
This incident underscores Taiwan’s ongoing vulnerability to natural disasters, especially in mountainous regions prone to landslides during periods of heavy rainfall. The disruption has affected thousands of commuters, emergency transport schedules, and local tourism in the Taroko Gorge region—a popular destination that relies heavily on rail accessibility.
🛠️ Scope of Damage: Inside the Tunnel and Beyond
According to TRA Deputy General Manager Chen Tsung-hung (陳宗宏), the damage is extensive and concentrated in a tunnel section of the North-Link Railway line—a crucial artery connecting Hualien with northern Taiwan.
Key details of the damage:
- ~3,000 square meters of rail track buried under debris.
- 140 square meters of mud and rock accumulation inside a tunnel.
- 200 meters of tracks and bridge segments damaged.
- 300 meters of critical overhead power lines (main suspension and contact wire) severed.
- Signal and communication fiber-optic cables damaged over a 300-meter stretch.
- Main power cable disruption further complicating restoration.
This level of multi-system failure requires a multi-disciplinary repair approach, involving structural engineers, electrical crews, and communication system specialists—all working under high-risk, rain-sensitive conditions.
🚨 What Triggered the Landslide?
The landslide was the result of heavy rainfall over the weekend, attributed to a surge in convective weather systems. The Central Weather Administration (CWA) had issued warnings for 16 municipalities due to unstable weather, which ultimately led to soil saturation and slope destabilization—a known risk in the Hualien area.
These rainfall-induced landslides are a recurring concern in Taiwan, where over 70% of the landmass is mountainous or hilly, and infrastructure like railways often cut through fragile terrain.
🧠 Why This Matters: Broader Implications
- Disruption of Daily Commute and Freight Movement
This rail section is part of the North-Link line, which supports both passenger and freight transport. Prolonged disruption can bottleneck supply chains and inconvenience thousands of daily travelers, especially in rural and less-connected eastern Taiwan. - Tourism Impact
Taroko Gorge, a major natural attraction, relies on this railway line for tourist access. The incident could impact the domestic tourism economy in the short term, especially during weekends and holidays. - Climate Resilience Questions
This is yet another reminder of Taiwan’s need to future-proof its infrastructure in the face of increasing extreme weather events—possibly worsened by climate change. Strengthening tunnel reinforcements and implementing landslide early warning systems could be key going forward.
🚉 TRA’s Emergency Response and Temporary Measures
TRA’s pre-warning system proved crucial in preventing any on-site train accidents, as it halted trains before they entered the affected zone.
Emergency measures include:
- Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs) deployed to shuttle passengers between Xincheng and Heping stations.
- Service began Monday at 5:32 a.m.
- As of 2 p.m., over 8,360 passengers had been transported in 17 trips.
- Road shuttle buses operating from 8 p.m. to midnight between Hualien and Heping, depending on weather conditions.
These stopgap measures have kept travel semi-functional, but they are limited in capacity and not sustainable for long-term commuter needs.
📈 What Happens Next?
- One of the two tracks is expected to resume operation by Wednesday, allowing limited rail traffic.
- Full restoration, including both tracks and signaling systems, is anticipated by Saturday, assuming no further rainfall or unexpected geological instability.
In the long term, Taiwan must consider increased investment in resilient rail infrastructure, automated slope monitoring systems, and weather-adaptive scheduling protocols to manage disruptions more effectively.
🧾 FAQs
Which part of the rail line was affected by the landslide?
The section between Heren and Chongde stations in Xiulin Township, Hualien, was affected. A tunnel in this section sustained significant damage.
When will the services be fully restored?
One track will be reopened on Wednesday, and the second is expected to be operational by Saturday, weather permitting.
How is the government responding to the incident?
TRA deployed DMUs and shuttle buses, and has mobilized repair crews. The pre-warning system prevented further damage or accidents.
How many people were affected?
Over 8,000 passengers have used the emergency services since Monday morning, but many more are likely affected due to disrupted schedules and logistics.
What caused the landslide?
Heavy rainfall and active convection led to soil saturation, which caused slope failure in the mountainous region of eastern Taiwan.
