The Traffic Police Department of Hanoi City Police, in coordination with the police of various wards, recently inspected and handled violations at the "railway coffee street" of Phung Hung - Tran Phu (Hoan Kiem district) to ensure railway traffic safety and urban order, after a long period of recurring violations.
The "Railway Coffee Street" has long been an attractive destination for both domestic and international tourists. The cafes along the railway line have become ideal spots for taking photos and watching trains pass by. However, this also poses serious safety risks.
When authorities conducted inspections and dealt with violations, hundreds of tourists were asked to leave the dangerous area, and they were also educated to raise awareness about railway safety.
According to reporters, at the "railway track cafe" area, authorities are still setting up checkpoints and resolutely preventing tourists from approaching the railway tracks. Those who deliberately violate the rules are reminded and asked to turn back.
Ms. Kim Dung, from the "railway neighborhood" on Tran Phu Street, said that after the inspection on March 24th, the cafes along the railway tracks were completely deserted. However, around lunchtime and in the afternoon, many international tourists still came, patiently waiting for the trains to pass so they could take photos.
According to Ms. Dung, the railway-side coffee street is considered by many representatives of travel companies to be a unique tourism product, attracting many tourists, especially on weekends.
"We hope that the authorities will find a solution to develop the railway-side cafe into an official tourism product and implement management measures, instead of banning it as is currently the case. During operation, we will comply with all regulations," Ms. Dung shared.
Some residents also said that since the arrival of tourists, they have tidied up their houses, rearranged their belongings, and reminded visitors to stay in the safe area whenever a train approaches. Some families have also erected barriers in front of their doors to prevent passengers from stepping onto the railway tracks, and installed surveillance cameras to detect approaching trains in order to warn residents and tourists…
Speaking to reporters, Dr. Khuong Kim Tao, former Deputy Chief of the Office of the National Traffic Safety Committee, said: “Railway cafes are one of the destinations favored by many foreign tourists. This is also a significant source of income for cafe owners here. However, the fact that cafe owners allow customers to sit right next to the railway tracks, with many even going into the middle of the tracks to take photos or crossing before a train approaches, is extremely dangerous. The distance from houses to the edge of the railway tracks is only about 1.5-2.3 meters; when a train passes, the remaining space is very small. To ensure the safety of residents and tourists, authorities have strictly prohibited visitors from entering and taking photos on this street, and will severely punish violators. However, despite the ban and warnings of danger, many cafes continue to spring up.”
According to Mr. Tao, to thoroughly resolve this issue, the direct responsibility lies with the local authorities in the areas where the railway runs. Along with management, it is necessary to increase the installation of surveillance cameras in these areas to promptly prevent and handle violations. Furthermore, when using the railway for commercial purposes to attract tourists, measures must be taken to ensure traffic safety and protect the lives of the people.
Previously, the Hoan Kiem District People's Committee had repeatedly requested that the situation of businesses encroaching on the railway safety corridor be rectified, especially in the Tran Phu and Phung Hung areas. Despite this, the violations continue.
Mr. Trinh Hoang Tung, Vice Chairman of the Hoan Kiem District People's Committee, stated that a review by functional forces revealed that there are currently 78 households operating stalls along the railway line, of which 63 are operating spontaneously without business registration, posing a potential risk to railway traffic safety. In response to this situation, the Hoan Kiem District People's Committee has proactively coordinated with city departments and the railway industry to implement several decisive measures. These include requiring 100% of households to sign commitments not to violate regulations and not to place tables and chairs obstructing railway traffic; increasing inspections and handling violations; deploying four checkpoints with inter-agency forces operating continuously from 8 AM to 10 PM at key locations; and installing warning signs and educating residents and tourists about the risks of accidents.
"However, the risk of violations recurring remains, so the District People's Committee will continue to maintain current measures and intensify propaganda to raise awareness and compliance among residents and tourists," Mr. Tung said.
Source: https://daidoanket.vn/ca-phe-duong-tau-cam-hay-quan-10302353.html
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