Premier Cho Expresses Concern Over Heavy Rain, Urges Taiwan Railways to Ensure Route Safety

(CNA, Reporter Wang Shu-fen, Taipei, 9th) Premier Cho Jung-tai, attending the Taiwan Railways "115th Railway Festival (Taiwan Railways' 139th Anniversary) Celebration" this morning, stated in his speech, "What I am concerned about now is the unstable weather, with heavy rain forecast in various places. Taiwan Railways must do a good job of ensuring safety along its lines and providing passenger services."

Cho said that due to the influence of the southwest airflow, the Central Weather Administration has issued a heavy rain advisory for all of Taiwan. The Water Resources Agency has initiated a heavy rain response, and the Rural Development and Soil and Water Conservation Agency has also issued warnings for possible landslides and large-scale disasters. He expressed hope that with the government's highest vigilance and quickest response, this period of heavy rain will not cause losses to transportation or the lives of the nation's people.

Cho mentioned that since taking office, he has seen several of Taiwan Railways' repair projects. He noted that at the most dangerous times and in the most difficult places, Taiwan Railways' engineering staff risk their lives for emergency repairs. He hopes that the warning systems along the railway lines can be fully controlled, stating that the better the preparatory work, the smaller the damage will be, and the more manpower and financial resources will be saved in post-disaster recovery.

Cho stated that while efforts can be made to minimize disasters when they occur, it is impossible to prevent them from happening. He noted that the budget sent by the Executive Yuan to the Legislative Yuan has not yet been passed, and reserve funds and disaster loss funds cannot yet be used. Although their use can be requested in emergencies, he hopes that various budgets will be passed quickly so the government can fully proceed with necessary expenditures for national development, public services, and potential post-disaster needs, which he described as the normal way.

Cho mentioned that his father and grandfather were both Taiwan Railways employees, and when he was born, the Tamsui Line was right outside his door. He has had an inseparable connection with Taiwan Railways throughout his life.

Cho said that railways are a form of transportation service and also a culture. For example, the Taiwan Railways bento boxes are getting better and better and have formed a culture. Japanese railway companies also participated in the recent Railway Bento Festival, which he sees as mutual learning. He described Taiwan Railways as a part of life, with stories of family and love, farewells and greetings, on every platform.

Cho affirmed and thanked Taiwan Railways for its silent contributions. He cited last year's Mataian landslide lake incident, where 500,000 volunteers poured into the disaster area in Hualien, and Taiwan Railways continuously ran extra trains to serve them. He said this showed the resilience of Taiwan to the nation and the world, and was the greatest contribution of the Taiwan Railways staff to the country. (Editor: Chang Ming-kun) 1150609