After a 15-year hiatus, the Alishan Forest Railway is now fully operational. The GIS Group assisted the Forestry Bureau and Cultural Heritage Section in inviting Alishan Forest Railway’s sister and friendly railways to Taiwan for this event. The international guests include the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway from the UK, the Čierny Hron Forestry Railway from Slovakia, the Zig Zag Railway and the Walhalla Goldfields Railway from Australia, and the Yanase Forest Railway from Japan. Together, they witnessed this significant milestone for the Alishan Forest Railway.
The Alishan Forest Railway was severely damaged by Typhoon Morakot, halting full operations for 15 years. After overcoming numerous challenges, the construction of Tunnel No. 42 marked the final milestone for the railway’s full operation. Enhanced with new warning systems, themed trains like the Xuyue and Fusen, and renovated stations, the railway has also improved driver training and increased volunteer and student participation. This rejuvenated Alishan Forest Railway showcases its renewed splendor, uniting enthusiasts across Taiwan.
The event features a static display of the new sightseeing train, the “Fusen”, showcasing the Alishan Forest Railway’s tourism marketing plans and expected outcomes. Guests are also invited to experience the scenic journey from Beimen Station to Shenmu Station aboard the Xuyue, a cypress-themed train inspired by Taiwan’s unique bird, the Rufous-faced Warbler. This train is the first eco-themed remodel in the railway’s history, designed with a special observation car for panoramic views.
Tunnel No. 42, located at the original site of Zhana Station, was damaged by Typhoon Dujuan in 2015. After extensive environmental engineering assessments and securing local Tsou tribe approval in 2020, the 1,106-meter restoration project began. This tunnel, completed in late 2023, represents the final piece for the full operation of the Alishan Forest Railway. During the visit, guests and staff from the Cultural Heritage Section discussed the tunnel project and slope conservation, highlighting sustainable construction methods that minimize landscape disruption while ensuring safety and preserving natural scenery.
Zhushan Station, at an altitude of 2,451 meters, is Taiwan’s highest station and the first scenic route built specifically for tourists to view the sunrise from Zhushan. The station underwent renovations starting in 2020 and reopened on November 20, 2023. The new design, inspired by misty mountains, enhances natural lighting and promotes environmental friendliness, earning the 2023 Public Construction Gold Quality Award. The visit includes a tour of the Ogata Observation Deck to watch the Alishan sunrise and a guided tour of Zhushan Station. Caption: Director Huang Miaoxiu introducing Zhushan Station.
In 2023, the Forestry Bureau visited friendly railways in Australia, resonating with the centennial steam locomotive heritage of Alishan. This led to an agreement for future visits to showcase these historic steam engines. Therefore, the event includes a dynamic demonstration of the century-old Shay31 steam locomotive in the Alishan depot, facilitating cross-national technical exchanges among railway enthusiasts.
To promote broader railway technology exchanges, visits to the Forestry Bureau’s Taipingshan Bong Bong Train and Wulai Cableway are arranged, along with a meeting at the Taiwan Railways Administration’s Fugang Depot. These visits aim to foster more international cooperation opportunities, including railway products and marketing strategies, social media promotion methods, feasibility studies for purchasing second-hand vehicles, and carriage design and construction.
Given the international interest in carriage exchanges, the event concludes with a visit to the National Railway Museum Preparatory Office, where many unique Taiwan Railways carriages and retired trains are preserved. This visit highlights Taiwan’s industrial heritage value and facilitates discussions on national and museum preservation plans, full functional restoration techniques, and various carriage dimensions, aiding smoother future international carriage exchanges.
Through the perspective of international friendly railways, this exchange enhances mutual understanding and benefits all participating railways. By leveraging the appeal of the Alishan Forest Railway and the support of friendly railways, the event aims to attract more foreign tourists and link other Taiwan forestry railways, continuing the chapter of international exchanges for Taiwan’s Forestry Railways.
