Project Profile: Taoyuan Metropolitan Area Railway Underground Project (TMARP)

The Taoyuan Metropolitan Area Railway Underground Project is a major infrastructure initiative in Taiwan designed to increase rail capacity and foster urban renewal. The project involves relocating a significant portion of the Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA) line underground, constructing new stations, and creating a more integrated, efficient transport network for the Taoyuan region.

Technical Specifications

Route and Alignment

The TMARP scope involves the conversion of a 17.94 km section of the existing at-grade TRA line into a dual-track underground railway. The project includes the construction of five new underground stations (Fengming, Taoyuan Hospital, Zhongyuan, Pingzhen, and a new Zhongli station) and the relocation of three existing stations (Taoyuan, Neili, and Zhongli) to new underground facilities. A key integration point will be the new Taoyuan Station, which will serve as a major interchange with the Taoyuan Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Green Line.

Station Design and Construction

The project employs complex civil engineering methodologies to minimize urban disruption. Construction techniques include a combination of cut-and-cover and top-down methods, particularly for large and deep station structures like the 1,266-meter-long Zhongli Station. Station design emphasizes both functionality and urban integration. The flagship Taoyuan Station, designed in part by Netherlands-based Mecanoo, will feature a 39,000 m² footprint with an iconic origami-inspired roof canopy, integrating the rail station with commercial spaces, a bus terminal, and public plazas.

Key Takeaways

• Urban Decongestion and Development: By moving the railway underground, the project removes a significant physical barrier, freeing up land for urban development and alleviating traffic congestion caused by at-grade railway crossings.
• Integrated Transportation Hub: The project establishes a multimodal transport network, with the new Taoyuan Station acting as a critical interchange between the national TRA network and the local Taoyuan MRT Green Line, enhancing regional connectivity.
• Modernization of Rail Infrastructure: TMARP represents a significant upgrade to Taiwan’s rail infrastructure, introducing modern, high-capacity stations and employing advanced construction techniques suited for dense urban environments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the primary objective of the TMARP?

The primary objective is to relocate a 17.94 km section of the TRA railway line underground through the Taoyuan metropolitan area. This will increase the railway’s capacity to handle growing passenger demand, eliminate urban severance caused by the surface-level tracks, and improve the overall efficiency of the regional transport system.

How is the project being constructed while maintaining existing train services?

The project is executed in a phased approach using multiple construction packages to manage complexity and risk. To ensure continued service on the busy TRA line, temporary above-ground stations have been constructed at locations like Pingzhen, Zhongli, and Fengming, allowing for the construction of the permanent underground facilities with minimal disruption to daily commuter traffic.