By KHT Staff. AI illustration image.
KAOHSIUNG — Kaohsiung is reviewing plans to extend its MRT network farther east, with future routes aimed at improving connections to Jiuqutang Station (九曲堂站), Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum (佛光山佛陀紀念館), Dashu (大樹), and Cishan (旗山).
The proposal drew renewed attention after social media posts and lifestyle coverage described the route as a future “Cishan-Meinong Line” (旗山美濃線). However, the city’s formal materials describe the plan more broadly as part of an east Kaohsiung rail-network review, not as an approved line with a confirmed route, budget, or construction schedule.
The Kaohsiung Mass Rapid Transit Bureau (高雄市政府捷運工程局) said the city is updating its overall MRT network plan based on the network previously approved by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (交通部).
Under the current concept, passengers could connect from Taiwan Railways’ Jiuqutang Station to the MRT system, with a route following Provincial Highway 29 toward Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum, Dashu, and Cishan.
The bureau said the route could become an important public-transport corridor for east Kaohsiung, where travel is still largely dependent on roads.
Another planning concept would extend the proposed MRT Purple Line (紫線) along Provincial Highways 22 and 29 toward Fo Guang Shan. The bureau said it could connect northern Kaohsiung industrial areas with east Kaohsiung and strengthen links between Cishan, Meinong (美濃), Dashu, and the city center.
The Purple Line itself remains in planning. The bureau’s route description says the preliminary route is about 36 kilometers long and would pass through Sanmin (三民), Zuoying (左營), Nanzi (楠梓), Ciaotou (橋頭), Yanchao (燕巢), and Dashu, connecting Zuoying’s HSR, Taiwan Railways, and MRT hub with MRT Cingpu Station (R22).
The bureau said the Purple Line’s route, length, and alignment remain preliminary and still require further feasibility evaluation.
Kaohsiung currently has the Red Line, Orange Line, and circular light rail in operation. The Yellow Line, Siaogang-Linyuan Line, and Gangshan-Lujhu extension are under construction.
MRT Bureau Director Wu Chia-chang (吳嘉昌) said east Kaohsiung has tourism resources, including Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum, while also playing a role in regional development. He said future eastward rail planning could support tourism, schooling, employment, and medical trips.
The bureau said any MRT expansion would still have to be reviewed based on transport demand, local development needs, financial benefits, and central government approval procedures.
No construction timetable, full station list, or funding plan has been announced for the eastward route.
