Changhua MRT Project Progresses After 8 Years; Hemei and Lukang Lines Submitted for Central Government Review

(CNA, Changhua, May 19, by reporter Wu Che-hao) During a policy address at the Changhua County Council's regular session today, County Magistrate Wang Huei-mei stated that the MRT policy proposed eight years ago has seen progress. The extension of the Taichung MRT Green Line to Changhua has been submitted to the central government after joint confirmation by Taichung and Changhua, while the Hemei and Lukang lines have also been sent for central review. The 7th regular session of the 20th Changhua County Council convened, featuring the magistrate's policy report and a Q&A session with councilors. Wang expressed gratitude for the council's support and encouragement over the past seven-plus years, noting that their advice and guidance have made the county's governance more comprehensive. She affirmed that the council and the county government team will continue their efforts until the last moment to ensure uninterrupted county development. Wang pointed out that eight years ago, she proposed the vision of bringing an MRT to Changhua. Upholding the "one axis, one loop, dual hubs, four engines" development strategy, the county team, in collaboration with Taichung, held a joint task force meeting in February this year to confirm the Taichung MRT Green Line extension to Changhua before submitting it to the Ministry of Transportation and Communications for review. Wang also said that the overall network evaluation plan for the Changhua MRT, including the Hemei and Lukang lines, was submitted to the MOTC for review in December of last year. "An MRT in Changhua is no longer an unattainable dream," she said, expressing confidence that with the continued promotion by the next county magistrate, its realization is within reach. She added that on the day it opens, she will definitely ride it with her grandchildren. Additionally, Wang mentioned another key policy promise: the Changhua Interchange Special District Plan. The first phase, covering approximately 170 hectares and including the "County Government Smart City" and "Waterside Livable Area," has already been initiated, integrating developments such as the county government center, a large dome, and the main county library. Wang noted that the Ministry of the Interior recently held its 4th special task force review, requesting the county government to provide supplementary information on issues such as population and industrial development. The county government will compile and respond as quickly as possible, hoping to use a three-pronged approach of urban planning, transportation construction, and industrial development to attract a demographic dividend and drive Changhua's future growth. (Editor: Wu Su-jou) 1150519