Completion of Full‑Speed Test Program for Taiwan High-Speed Rail

Taiwan’s High‑Speed Rail project—one of the most ambitious rail infrastructure programs in East Asia—reached a major milestone on 31 December 2006. On this date, the THSR 700T trainsets successfully completed their final full‑speed acceptance trials, running at speeds near 300 km/h along the newly built north‑south corridor. These tests validated trackwork, power systems, signaling, and onboard safety systems derived from Shinkansen technology. The completion of certification allowed authorities to authorize the start of commercial service less than two weeks later, on 5 January 2007. This event marked a significant technological leap for Taiwan, dramatically reducing travel times between Taipei and Kaohsiung and strengthening high‑speed rail’s role in Asia.