Taiwan’s historic Alishan Forest Railway is set to sign a cooperation agreement with Cierny Hron Forestry Railroad from Slovakia Dec. 5 in southern Taiwan’s Chiayi County.
Under the pact, the two sides will share experiences and technical know-how in maintaining steam locomotives and work together in promoting tourism to the narrow-gauge railway lines. The accord comes ahead of the iconic Taiwan train route’s 106th anniversary Dec. 25.
International linkages are helping the rail line maintain aging facilities and preserve the historical legacy of its role in the forestry development of the mountainous region, the Alishan Forest Railway and Cultural Heritage Office said.
This is the ninth such partnership since it inked an agreement with Japan’s Oigawa Railway in 1986, according to the office. It has also concluded deals with three railways in India, another in Japan, two in Switzerland and one in the U.K.
A steam locomotive with vintage-style wooden carriages will set off from Chiayi Garage Park following the signing ceremony to mark the international accord and celebrate the rail line’s upcoming anniversary.
The 71.4-kilometer Alishan Forest Railway was constructed during the Japanese colonial era (1895-1945) to assist in logging. It is one of the most popular in Taiwan and has gained fame for its Z-shaped switchbacks through stunning mountain landscapes.
The century-old Cierny Hron Forestry Railroad, which once stretched 131.98 km, was shuttered in 1982. A 17-km section was reopened for tourism 10 years later. (CPY-E)
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A steam locomotive from Cierny Hron Forestry Railroad plies its 17-km route, which runs through the Slovak Ore Mountains. (Courtesy of Alishan Forest Railway and Cultural Heritage Office)