Alishan Forest Railway reopens with new protective measures｜Taiwan News

The Alishan Forest Railway is fully open, giving direct passage from Chiayi up to Alishan. There is a new safety system in place with two lines of defense, continuously monitoring the tracks and protecting trains from falling rocks and other dangers. After 15 years, the Forest Railway and its employees are ready to start again.

Travelers take pictures with the train as they arrive at Fenqihu, commemorating the reopening of the Alishan Forest Railway.

But with frequent afternoon thunderstorms and falling rocks, there is constant concern that the tracks will be damaged or obstructed.

Weng Hsing-chao
Train conductor
Whenever it rains, rocks and mud get on the tracks and we can’t keep going.

In areas prone to rockfalls, tires are piled up to form a protective wall. There are sensors in the tire walls to alert employees of any falling rocks.

Chuang Shu-ting
FTV reporter
This is the latest rockfall warning system. If large rocks hit this wall, an alarm goes off and an alert is sent to employees’ phones to inform them of the situation.

At first, animals or gusts of wind would also set off the alarm, so the sensitivity had to be reduced. But what happens if rocks fly over the tires and fall onto the tracks? Then the second line of defense comes into play: monitors above the tracks. Through this surveillance system, AI identifies any obstructions.

Wu Wei-jen
Fenqihu supervisor
If there are rocks, moving objects, or people on the tracks, the surveillance system will send a notice to our group using visuals and warnings.

Train drivers tested the railway many times before opening, putting rocks on the train to simulate the weight of passengers. As 15 years have passed since this section of the railway was used, new drivers have to become familiar with the route.

Wu Wei-jen
Fenqihu supervisor
They need to get used to the weight, inclines, and turns.

Maintenance technicians are also busy, heading to work in their helmets and reflective vests.

Chuang Shu-ting
FTV reporter
Wearing red vests, these maintenance technicians make sure the tracks are clear so that the train can travel smoothly. Let’s take the maintenance trolley with them to see what they do on their daily rounds starting at 5 a.m.

Checking the railway, they clear any debris that has intruded onto the tracks to prevent it from blocking or scratching the train.

Maintenance technician
Moisture or wind brings debris and even monkeys drop branches.

Using a pickaxe, they clear rocks and mud from the tracks and replace rotting railway sleepers.

Chen I-shao
Fenqihu director
It’s dangerous for the train to operate if the sleepers aren’t securely fastened to the tracks.

The Alishan Forest Railway is fully operational with an all-new system in place. Employees carefully perform their individual duties, making sure the train runs smoothly and ensuring the safety of passengers.

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