Tainan's long-running project to move its railway underground is close to opening, good news for commuters who have put up with more than six years of construction.

• The transport minister inspected Tainan Station and pushed the team to open the line ahead of schedule.
• The station has already passed accessibility, fire safety, and building permit checks.
• A final pre-opening inspection is set for September, with the station due to be unveiled early that month.
• The 8-kilometer stretch runs through northern, eastern, and Rende districts, and will knit together roads on both sides of the old tracks.
• Two new commuter stations, Linsen and Nan Tainan, come later — in 2029 and 2030.

Outlook: Opening is now down to final testing and staff preparation, with service expected to start within weeks.