🚇 [Taipei Metro New Milestone] Xinyi Line East Extension Officially Opens! Unveiling the 'Most Difficult Metro Project in History' Guangci/Fengtian Temple Station

After overcoming numerous challenges, the Xinyi Line East Extension, hailed as the 'most difficult metro project in history,' officially opened on the 30th! Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an personally witnessed this historic moment. The opening of Guangci/Fengtian Temple Station not only successfully extends the Tamsui-Xinyi Line eastward but also injects new momentum into the transportation network on the eastern side of the Taipei metropolitan area. 🏗️ Challenging Engineering Limits: Heavy machinery just 60 cm from residential buildings This route, only about 1.4 kilometers long, involved a perilous construction process. The metro team successfully overcame extreme challenges in space and geology: Massive station structure excavated 10 stories underground: Construction took place beneath Fude Street, which is only 25 meters wide. The closest distance between heavy machinery and residential buildings on either side was a mere 60 centimeters, requiring absolute precision. Extreme 'soft top, hard bottom' geology: The shallow layer, due to soft mud from former wetlands, required over 5,000 bags of cement to reinforce the foundation before construction could begin. The deep layer encountered unexpectedly hard rock strata (unconfined compressive strength up to 1,324 kgf/cm2), four times stronger than anticipated, causing the tunnel boring machine to advance only a difficult 2.5 meters per day. 💧 Urban Landscape Aesthetics and Commuting Upgrade Stunning 'Water Rises' themed station: Combining the natural landscape of the Four Beasts Mountain with the imagery of the local Liugong Canal, the station features blue flooring and a streamlined ceiling design, creating a cultural landmark that embodies ecological sustainability and local character. Reduced daily commute times: After boarding, passengers can reach Xiangshan Station in just 2 minutes, Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station in 4 minutes, and even reach Taipei Main Station and Tamsui directly with a single train! Connecting to future Neihu Science Park transportation network: The city government is fully advancing the construction of the Circular Line. Once the eastern section opens, commute times to the Neihu Science Park will be significantly reduced from 40 minutes to just 17 minutes, becoming a key driver in resolving traffic congestion in Neihu. 💡 Editor's Note: The entrances and exits of Guangci/Fengtian Temple Station directly connect to the Guangci/Boai Care Complex and the Xinyi District Administrative Center, making it more accessible for nearby residents when handling official business or using social welfare resources. 🗣️ Discussion time for rtitalk readers: Do you usually commute by MRT in Taipei? Will the opening of the Xinyi Line East Extension and Guangci/Fengtian Temple Station increase your willingness to visit the area or use it for future transfers? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below! 👇