The Hanoi People's Committee has proposed halting train operations on the central railway section between Hanoi Station and Gia Lam Station. This move, which would redirect 20 daily passenger trains, is expected to significantly affect thousands of commuters and raise concerns from railway officials and transport experts.

Under the proposal, northbound passenger trains would originate or terminate at Gia Lam Station, while southbound trains would continue to stop at Hanoi Station. This means passengers traveling to or from the city center would need to commute an additional 10 km to Gia Lam Station for northbound routes. The Railway Transport Joint Stock Company stated that this change would increase transfer times and costs, potentially deterring passengers.

The inconvenience would be particularly challenging for vulnerable groups, including the elderly, children, and those carrying substantial luggage. Passengers arriving at Hanoi Station on southbound trains would face the added burden of transferring by car to Gia Lam Station to continue their journeys on northbound routes.

Currently, trains on the Hanoi - Hai Phong route are popular, with each train carrying nearly 1,000 passengers. The travel time is approximately 2,5 hours, making it competitive with car travel. However, adding an extra 30-40 minutes for transfers to Gia Lam Station could lead passengers to abandon trains, eroding the convenience that is a key advantage of rail transport.

The railway line proposed for cessation of operations in central Hanoi. *Graphic: Tam Thao*

Furthermore, Gia Lam Station's infrastructure and facilities are limited compared to Hanoi Station. Currently, Gia Lam Station lacks sufficient platform capacity to accommodate passengers when multiple trains converge daily.

Tran Thien Canh, Director of Vietnam Railway Administration, highlighted the interconnected nature of railway operations. Beyond commercial use, trains require maintenance of locomotives and carriages. Locomotives and carriages from southbound trains needing maintenance or repair are transported to Yen Vien Station in the north, necessitating transit through the Hanoi Station - Gia Lam Station route. Therefore, halting train operations could impact technical functionality, railway revenue, and directly affect passengers. Canh mentioned that his agency will collaborate with the Vietnam Railways Corporation to assess the impact of ceasing train operations on the Hanoi - Gia Lam railway section before responding to the Hanoi People's Committee.

From an expert perspective, Nguyen Van Quyen, Chairman of the Vietnam Automobile Transport Association, emphasized that railway operations running through the city center are not merely for public transport. They also represent a cultural and historical landmark, making them a tourist attraction for the capital. Halting train operations on this section would deprive visitors of the opportunity to watch trains pass, thereby diminishing Hanoi's tourism appeal, particularly for popular spots like the train street cafe and Long Bien Bridge.

Quyen proposed that passenger train operations on the Hanoi Station - Gia Lam Station railway section should not be halted to avoid impacting passenger travel and the operations of railway transport entities. He suggested that Hanoi city authorities implement measures to ensure the safety of the railway corridor and alleviate central traffic congestion at level crossings when trains pass.

The train street cafe is always crowded with tourists watching trains pass by. *Photo: Hoang Giang*

The Hanoi People's Committee recently requested the Ministry of Construction to direct the Vietnam Railways Corporation to reorganize train operations in the city center, specifically between Hanoi Station and Gia Lam Station. The cessation of train operations and the transfer of the Hanoi Station - Gia Lam Station railway infrastructure to the Hanoi People's Committee are intended to preserve and promote the historical value of Long Bien Bridge. This aligns with plans to develop cultural, service, and tourism spaces around the 131 stone arch sections of the railway from Hanoi Station to Long Bien Station.

Doan Loan