Ali Shan Forest Railway in the News: International Outcry Over Accidents and Environmental Impact

The Revival and Challenges of the Ali Shan Forest Railway

In July last year, after a 15-year hiatus, Ali Shan Forest Railway was officially reopened to the public. This iconic railway, spanning 71.6 kilometers and featuring a dramatic altitude difference of 2,421 meters, has quickly become a must-visit destination. In fact, it was recently chosen by the New York Times as one of the top 52 wondrous places to visit in 2025. This accolade follows the immense increase in both domestic and international tourists visiting the area.

Operational Hurdles in Growing Tourism

While the railway’s popularity soars, it struggles with operational challenges. The capacity constraints of a single-track line and limited carriages mean that the tourist trains often reach full capacity. This has spurred demand for advanced bookings, with tickets often snapped up three months in advance. Despite providing only 85 seats per train and yielding about 300 passengers a day, the railway is pivotal in driving tourism revenue, potentially generating up to NT$4 billion annually. However, this surge in tourism brings its own issues, particularly with visitors inadvertently straying onto the tracks. Such incidents have escalated in number over the years, with 69 reported cases last year alone, pressuring railway and heritage site personnel.

Incidents on the Tracks: A Rising Concern

Recent months have highlighted the severity of these operational issues. In December, multiple tourists wandered onto the tracks despite train warnings, causing a collision that resulted in minor injuries and a six-hour delay impacting 62 passengers. Following this, there were several instances where tourists were fined between NT$1,000 to NT$5,000 under the railway law for disregarding safety protocols. Such frequent incidents have led administrators to reconsider safety measures and visitor management practices.

Improving Safety and Capacity

Addressing these challenges is a priority for officials. New measures are in place to separate pedestrian trails from railway tracks as much as possible, and additional safety installations are planned for sections where paths intersect with the railway. From September this year, new trains and locomotives are scheduled to join the fleet, with plans to increase train services and introduce more interval journeys, aiming to accommodate more passengers and alleviate some current constraints.

FAQs: Understanding the Future of Ali Shan Railway

What are the plans to prevent future track trespassing incidents?

Authorities are implementing barriers and signage improvements at key intersections. Coordination with local police aims to enhance monitoring and enforcement.

How will the additional trains affect the Ali Shan experience?

The new train additions will increase the frequency and reach of services, making it easier for tourists to explore without overcrowding current services.

What should new visitors know about the Ali Shan railway?

Advance booking is highly recommended due to high demand. Visitors are advised to stay within designated tourist areas to ensure safety and avoid fines.