It wasn't until 1954 that Chiang Ching-kuo, then chairman of the Vocational Assistance Commission for Retired Servicemen, re-initiated the project in order to connect the two sides of the island and provide employment for ex-army personnel.
直到民國四十三年，當時的行政院退除役官兵就業輔導委員會主任委員蔣經國先生，為了促使台灣東西兩地的交通更便捷，以及安置尚有工作能力及體力的退役人員，而有了開通中橫公路的構想。