The contract was signed in London on December 4 by THSRC chairman and CEO Dr Ou Chin-Der and Lloyds Register CEO Mr Richard Sadler.

The extension is due to open in 2015, easing congestion at Taipei Railway Station and connecting the high-speed line with Taiwan Railway Administration's Western Line and the Taipei Metro Blue Line.

Ou said during the ceremony he expects THSRC to carry its 200 millionth passenger next month, six years after commercial operations began on the 345km railway.