Heavy rainfall since 17/11 has submerged many railway sections through Vietnam's South Central Coast. The Ha Thanh River's water level rose sharply, reaching the girders of Luat Le 1 and 2 bridges this morning and threatening their structural integrity.
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Two train cars carrying railway sleepers positioned on Luat Le 1 bridge. *Photo: VNR* |
In response to the urgent situation, Nghia Binh Railway Joint Stock Company implemented an emergency plan. The company blocked train traffic on the Dieu Tri - Quy Nhon section and deployed weighted freight trains to protect the bridges.
The company mobilized railway sleepers from nearby construction sites. They placed two cars of sleepers on Luat Le 1 bridge and one car on Luat Le 2 bridge. Each train car weighs 44,5 tons, increasing the bridges' load capacity to prevent them from being swept away by floods.
Also this afternoon, as water levels exceeded the railhead at Dieu Tri station, the railway sector evacuated three trains (SE1, SE3, SE7) to nearby stations: Binh Dinh and Phuoc Nhon. The railway provided passengers with free meals and water during this time.
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A train car carrying railway sleepers on Luat Le 1 bridge. *Photo: VNR* |
Luat Le 1 bridge, located on the North-South railway line, is 114 m long and comprises two spans. Luat Le 2 bridge, one km away, has only one span. French colonial authorities constructed both bridges, which span a branch of the Ha Thanh River that flows through Dieu Tri, Gia Lai province (formerly Binh Dinh). They are located more than one km from Dieu Tri station. After over a hundred years of operation, the two bridges have deteriorated, limiting train speeds over them to about 15 km/h.
While waiting for water levels to recede, the railway sector temporarily suspended many trains on the North-South line and related branch lines to ensure passenger safety. Passengers are offered refunds or exchanges for tickets for up to 30 days. Ticket refunds can be processed online via the dsvn.vn website or at any station.
During the floods in early November, the railway sector repeatedly mobilized freight trains carrying rocks to secure Bach Ho and Da Vien railway bridges, which span the Huong River in Hue.
Doan Loan
