Chiayi light rail project remains stalled amid political dispute over central funding

The high‑speed rail station in Chiayi has been the only Taiwan station without a connecting light‑rail line for 21 years. The central government, represented by Premier Tao Rong‑tai, pledged to fully fund the project with NT$372 billion, but no progress has been made.

Legislator Wang Meihui championed the light‑rail during her 2020 legislative campaign, later claiming the central government “always supports Chiayi light‑rail funding” and urging the Ministry of Transportation to act. After being nominated by the Democratic Progressive Party for the Chiayi mayoral race, Wang shifted stance, saying she would “seek alternative solutions” for the stalled project and even cut budget allocations for the police and fire departments.

Mayor‑candidate Zhang Qikai, joined by legislators from the Taiwan People’s Party and the Kuomintang, held a press conference demanding the executive branch immediately approve and release the promised funding. Zhang criticized Wang for “changing positions” and called for the central government to honor its commitment, emphasizing the project's importance for tourism, tech parks, and regional development.