[2] In conjunction with electrification works on the line, train platforms are being lengthened and upgraded with better facilities.

Japanese authorities had planned for a railway running between Pingtung and Taitung, but were unable to complete it before World War II ended.

After the Kuomintang-led government took control, surveys were completed in 1947, 1958, 1963, 1968, and 1976, delineating ten possible routes for the South Link Line.

[5] The Taimali River (Chinese: 太麻里溪) had risen substantially and washed away 100 m (330 ft) of railway embankment.

[5] The Taiwan Railway Administration plans to spend an additional NT$240 million on a double-tracked, 520 m (1,710 ft) bridge over the Taimali River to avoid future problems with flooding.