Jiji branch line Checheng Station resumes service on June 25, and painted special trains set sail

Jiji Branch Line Checheng Station will resume service on June 25, when a painted special train will set sail, symbolizing the resumption of service on the entire line. (Photo by reporter Liu Binquan)

Shuili and Checheng Stations of Taiwan Railway's Jiji Branch Line will resume service on June 25 after nearly five years of uphill climbs and construction suspensions. At that time, a painted train will depart from Ershui, Changhua, and enter Checheng. The Sun Moon Lake Scenic Area Management Office will also hold a railway model and safety exhibition at Checheng. Checheng operators have also launched consumer bonuses in response to the resumption of service, hoping to stimulate a boom in railway tourism during the summer vacation.

In August 2021, the Jiji branch line was suspended due to the slope of the Jiji section, resulting in the suspension of services to Shuili and Checheng stations. In May 2024, Qianzhan planned to carry out the railway tunnel expansion project, resulting in the suspension of Jiji station. After being suspended for one year and eight months, Jiji Station resumed service in January this year. After nearly half a year of project completion, Shuili and Checheng Station, which had been suspended for nearly five years, will finally be fully operational on June 25.

The Japanese Management Office stated that on June 25, a sailing prelude will be held at Changhua Ershui Station, and a painted special train will be sent into Checheng, which means that Shuili Station along the line will also resume service. When arriving at Checheng Station, there will be an opening ceremony. The whistle-blowing ceremony will symbolize the opening of the Jiji branch line.

The Japanese Management Office said that in order to welcome the resumption of operation, the Checheng Railway Sightseeing Primary School not only held a railway safety exhibition, but also local businesses have introduced resources to co-organize a railway model exhibition. The exhibition will be held until the end of August to give tourists a refreshing experience. In addition, the business operators have also launched consumer bonuses, giving away wooden postcards for purchases over 200 yuan and wooden flute keychains for purchases over 1,200 yuan. Through the exhibition and local souvenirs, they attract the attention of tourists and boost summer tourism business opportunities in Checheng.

The Taiwan Railway Jiji Branch Line's terminus at Checheng Station has been suspended for nearly five years and will resume service on June 25. (Photo by reporter Liu Binquan)

Jiji branch line Checheng Station has been suspended for nearly five years and will resume service on June 25. (Photo by reporter Liu Binquan)