Railway transport gradually recovers in the new situation, tourists increase

According to the reporter's records atVinh stationIn recent days, in contrast to the gloomy and deserted scene after the Lunar New Year, the number of train passengers has begun to gradually increase. This is a very positive sign after more than a year of the railway industry struggling due to the Covid-19 epidemic.

Specifically, the total number of passengers on the NA1 - NA2 train route during the past two weekends was over 300 people in both directions (from Hanoi to Vinh 181 passengers, from Vinh to Hanoi 130 passengers). On the first day of re-operating this train route on March 25, there were also 250 passengers in both directions.

Meanwhile, after the Lunar New Year, this pair of trains only had between 100 and 150 passengers in both directions, causing the train line to not have enough operating costs, forcing it to stop operating for 1 month.

Railway transport shows signs of improvement after a long period of stagnation. Photo: Quang An

According to the representative of Vinh Railway Transport Station, not only the NA1 - NA2 train line but also other North - South train pairs passing through Vinh station including SE5 - SE6 and SE7 - SE8 also have an increase in passenger volume of 20 - 30%. This is a very positive signal for the Railway Transport industry.

Mr. Cao Ngoc Tuan - Station ChiefVinh Railway Stationsaid: There are two reasons why the number of train passengers shows signs of recovery. Firstly, the whole country is currently implementing adaptive measures in the new situation, making it easier for people to travel. Secondly, since March 15, the whole country has reopened for tourism, people's travel needs have increased, many tourists choose trains as a means of transport because of their high safety and reasonable prices. There are even groups of tourists who have booked entire carriages and cabins to be both comfortable and ensure safety against the epidemic...".

On April 4, Hanoi Railway Transport Joint Stock Company also sent Official Dispatch No. 362 to stations and localities regarding the operation of train routes. Accordingly, train route NA1 - NA2 running from Vinh to Hanoi will run continuously every day of the week, starting from April 22. Previously, this pair of trains was only allowed to run on weekends to grasp the situation and passenger volume to come up with a suitable plan.

Passengers check in before boarding the train. Photo: Quang An

Previously, on March 24, 2022,Ministry of Transporthas issued Decision No. 362/QD-BGTVT providing temporary guidance on organizing safe, flexible and adaptive railway transport activities to effectively control the Covid-19 epidemic. Subjects of application include state management agencies, epidemic control forces, railway transport businesses, railway infrastructure businesses; organizations and individuals related to railway transport activities.

According to the instructions in Clause 3, Article 1, Decision 362, from March 24, 2022, the organization of railway transport activities must ensure safe and flexible adaptation, effective control of the Covid-19 epidemic with the operating frequency according to the train schedule announced by Vietnam Railways Corporation according to regulations.

Regarding measures to prevent and control the Covid-19 epidemic, it is necessary to comply with the regulations of the Government, the Ministry of Health and the National Steering Committee on epidemic prevention and control and local regulations on epidemic prevention and control. Specifically, the engine drivers, train crews, people working at railway stations and passengers must meet the following requirements: comply with the 5K message, make medical declarations according to the regulations of the Ministry of Health; strictly implement epidemic prevention and control measures according to the instructions of the National Steering Committee on epidemic prevention and control and the Ministry of Health; conduct medical tests and quarantine according to the requirements and instructions of the Ministry of Health and localities...