4 Tourists Fined Up to NT$50,000 for Walking on Alishan Forest Railway Tracks

(CNA, Chiayi County, June 30 - Reporter Tsai Chih-ming) The Forest Railway Administration, in conjunction with the police, discovered four tourists illegally walking on the railway tracks near Erwanping Station in June and fined each of them between NT$10,000 and NT$50,000 according to law. The Forest Railway Administration stated that walking on the tracks poses a risk of encountering moving trains, endangering personal safety and train operations, and also leads to financial loss.

The Alishan Forest Railway and Cultural Heritage Administration of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency, Ministry of Agriculture, issued a press release today stating that since the full line of the Alishan Forest Railway reopened on July 6, 113 (2024), with increased train services between Chiayi and Alishan, it has frequently observed people disregarding safety warnings and venturing onto the tracks.

The Forest Railway Administration pointed out that from December 113 (2024) to May 115 (2026), they have conducted 33 joint enforcement operations with the Zhuzaki Precinct of the Chiayi County Police Bureau, resulting in penalties for a total of 33 individuals. With these repeated joint enforcement actions, the number of people illegally walking on the tracks has shown a downward trend, indicating an increased public recognition of the importance of maintaining railway safety.

The Forest Railway Administration stated that despite this, tourists have still been found disregarding railway safety. Recently, in conjunction with the Alishan Police Station of the Zhuzaki Police Precinct, they conducted an enforcement operation along the railway from Erwanping Station towards Chiayi. Four tourists were caught illegally walking on the tracks at the scene. According to Article 70 of the Railway Act, pedestrians and vehicles are prohibited from entering the railway lines. Violators will be fined between NT$10,000 and NT$50,000, with each person being fined individually. The Zhuzaki Police Precinct will subsequently forward the cases to the Railway Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation for adjudication.

The Forest Railway Administration emphasized that while the Alishan Railway offers beautiful scenery, relevant regulations must be followed. People should not walk, linger, or enter along the railway lines, bridges, and tunnels. Citizens are urged not to take chances, as it is not only dangerous but also results in financial loss. Everyone should work together to maintain operational and travel safety. (Editor: Chang Ya-ching) 1150630

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