BOT procurement planned for $3.6 billion first stage funded 90% by central government. Orange Line 14.4 km with 14 stations planned in east-west direction from Sun Yat-sen University through the city and on to Taliao. Red Line 28.3 km with 23 stations planned north-south from Chiatou to Linhai with central one-third in bored tunnels. Construction to start 2001 with commissioning in stages from 2004 to 2007. Technical consultant to the Kaohsiung Department of Rapid Transit Systems is Mott MacDonald. April 1999.   BOT construction of four-line metro to get underway in 2001 with two routes totalling 42.7 km opening between 2004 and 2007. 14.4 km Orange line will run east-west from National Sun Yat-Sen University through city centre to Ta Liao with 14 stations and will include main depot and operations control centre. 28.3 km Red line will run north-south connecting Chiao Tou with Lin Hai industrial park with 23 stations and two depots. Government will fund up to 90% of capital cost. August 1999.  Gamuda Bhd (Malaysia) and New Asia Construction & Development Corp. have jointly secured a four-year civil works contract from the Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Corporation for the construction of the Orange Line. The T$7.36 billion contract includes the design and construction of a 4.8 km tunnel, a 4-level underground station and a 2-level underground station. 41/02.Maeda has won a Â¥15 billion (US$122.3 million) order to build a 1.7 km metro section with three stations. This section will be a shield-driven tunnel, 5.6 m in diameter. Work is to begin in November 2002 and take about two and a half years. Visit www.krtco.com.tw and www.kcg.gov.tw 41/02.