Kaohsiung MRT Yellow Line construction has moved into active works, replacing the project’s earlier procurement-focused phase. The $1.4 billion railway scheme is now progressing across multiple civil engineering packages in Kaohsiung.
Current works include utility relocation, traffic management, station excavation and structural preparation. The project will create a 22.8km metro corridor serving six major areas across the Taiwanese city.
The latest construction progress shows that the project has developed substantially since its original contract award. Several packages are now recording measurable physical progress, while detailed design continues across other sections.
Kaohsiung MRT Yellow Line Construction Moves Across Multiple Packages
The Yellow Line has been divided into several construction and systems packages. This approach allows civil works and railway systems development to proceed across different sections.
The YC01 civil and electromechanical package had reached 6.72% progress by April 2026. Works included utility relocation and traffic-management arrangements around Y1, Y2, Y3 and Y4 stations.
Meanwhile, the YC02 package had reached 3.55% progress. Contractors were undertaking utility investigations, pedestrian-route changes and demolition around Y6, Y7 and Y8 stations.
The YC03 package had achieved 6.36% progress. Current activities included ground improvement, drainage works, utility excavation and structural preparations around Y5, Y16, Y17 and Y18.
However, YC04 and YC05 remained awaiting tendering at the latest reported update. This indicates that procurement will continue alongside active construction elsewhere.
The YM01 electromechanical systems and depot package had reached 20.15% progress. Works included depot foundations, retaining structures, temporary flood-control facilities and parking-area excavation.
Kaohsiung MRT Yellow Line Targets Phased Opening
The project’s construction program now points toward phased openings rather than the earlier 2028 completion expectation.
The first phase is expected to enter service in 2032. It covers sections between Y1 and Y5 and between Y5 and Y18.
The remaining sections are expected to follow by 2034. The revised schedule reflects the complexity of constructing a largely underground metropolitan railway.
The line will ultimately contain 23 stations, comprising underground and elevated infrastructure. It will connect with Kaohsiung’s existing Red and Orange metro lines and the Circular Light Rail.
The project will also connect major residential, educational and commercial areas. Therefore, the completed railway should improve access across important parts of Kaohsiung.
The railway will use automated metro technology, including Siemens signaling and Stadler rolling stock. The system will also incorporate communications, automated fare collection and platform screen doors.
ST Engineering remains responsible for the turnkey rail services under the major systems contract. Its Urban Solutions business serves as systems integration lead and manages the overall project.
The wider consortium includes Siemens Mobility for signaling and Stadler Rail for rolling stock. Stadler is supplying 25 three-car trainsets for the Yellow Line.
Kaohsiung MRT Yellow Line Strengthens Taiwan’s Rail Network
Construction of the Yellow Line will expand Kaohsiung’s existing rapid-transit network. The route will also provide additional connections with Taiwan’s wider rail infrastructure.
Current works demonstrate that the project has progressed beyond the contract-award stage reported in 2022. The focus has shifted toward civil construction, utility relocation and systems integration.
Recent procurement activity also shows continuing work around existing metro infrastructure. Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Corporation issued an August 2026 tender covering embedded conduits and handholes at several existing stations.
The Yellow Line therefore represents a major long-term expansion of Taiwan’s urban transport infrastructure. Its phased delivery should create additional construction opportunities through civil, electrical and railway systems packages.
The project also provides a useful regional comparison for major railway investment in Asia. Vietnam’s $67.34 billion North-South Railway faces its own preparation challenges as authorities target construction in December 2027.
That project demonstrates the scale of railway infrastructure now entering development across the region, alongside Taiwan’s ongoing metro expansion.
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Construction of the new Kaohsiung MRT Yellow Line
“Winning this landmark Yellow Line project underlines the industry’s confidence in our unique strengths. Additionally, it attests to our capability of advancing up the value chain. This includes supply full turnkey rail services, systems integration, and project management,” said Urban Solutions president Chew Men Leong.
“We are confident of providing a world-class contemporary metro line. Furthermore, it will improve connectivity and quality of life for inhabitants of Kaohsiung. This is because of our deep market experience and strong technical and engineering capabilities.”
The 22.8km Yellow Line, a new railway network program in Kaohsiung City, comprises 22 underground stations and one elevated station. It will connect the city’s six key areas, colleges, and schools to the current Red and Orange lines, a light-rail system, and a railroad station. It is anticipated that 1.16 million people would be served by this line.
Project Fact Sheet
Project: Kaohsiung MRT Yellow Line
Location: Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
Project value: Approximately S$1.4 billion systems contract
Total route length: 22.8km
Stations: 23
Underground stations: 22
Elevated stations: 1
Expected first-phase opening: 2032
Expected second-phase opening: 2034
System type: Medium-capacity automated metro
Rolling stock: 25 three-car trainsets
Signaling: Siemens Trainguard MT CBTC
Main systems contractor: ST Engineering-led consortium
Systems integration: Urban Solutions
Depot: Niaosong Depot
Current status: Under construction
Key current works: Utility relocation, station works, ground improvement, excavation and depot construction
Project Team
Project authority: Kaohsiung City Mass Rapid Transit Bureau
Systems contractor: ST Engineering-led consortium
Systems integration lead: Urban Solutions
Signaling supplier: Siemens Mobility
Rolling stock supplier: Stadler Rail
Railway operator: Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Corporation
Civil contractor: YC01 package contractor
Civil contractor: YC03 package contractor
Systems and depot contractor: YM01 package contractor
Civil contractor: YC02 package contractor
Track contractor: YT01 package contractor
Detailed design: Project-appointed engineering consultants
Construction oversight: Kaohsiung City Mass Rapid Transit Bureau
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