For peaceful train journeys

While everyone is busy shopping for Tet (Lunar New Year), on the railway line through Thanh Hoa province, railway patrol and crossing guard staff are quietly working day and night, 24/7, to ensure the safety of trains traveling north and south, so that those who are far from home can return in time to celebrate Tet with their families and loved ones.

Barrier at Km 173+450 North Thanh Hoa .

Mr. Do Viet Tuan, a staff member of the Ham Rong Railway Supply and Bridge Department ( thuộc Thanh Hoa Railway Joint Stock Company), has over 22 years of experience in the profession, including 7 years assigned to track inspection. Compared to employees who have achieved the title of "safety champion" in the railway industry, that amount of time may not be long, but it is enough for him to understand the strict requirements and demands of the job.

Mr. Do Viet Tuan, a road patrol officer, is on duty at Km 172.

“Not only do we have to walk dozens of kilometers along our assigned railway line to inspect and promptly detect any damage to railway infrastructure that threatens train safety, and report it to the emergency response unit, but we ourselves must also constantly observe and ensure our own safety while performing our duties. Just a moment of carelessness can lead to workplace accidents,” Tuan shared.

Despite the arduous, solitary, and even dangerous nature of their work, road maintenance workers must uphold a high sense of responsibility and discipline, especially during holidays and festivals.

"During the Lunar New Year holidays, when everyone is resting and shopping for the festivities, I feel a little lonely. But then I encourage myself by thinking that I'm contributing to the safety of the trains so that everyone can return home to celebrate the New Year peacefully," Tuan confided.

Not only railway patrol officers, but also level crossing guards in Thanh Hoa province face considerable pressure during the days leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year). Besides the number of trains passing through doubling compared to normal days, the density of people and vehicles crossing the level crossings also increases significantly. Meanwhile, a small number of people crossing the road-rail intersection show limited awareness of traffic laws and regulations; they intentionally try to cross even when the barrier is closed, endangering their own lives and the safety of train operations.

Mr. Nguyen Thanh Tung, Head of the Thanh Hoa Crossing Guard Station, said: "Our unit is assigned to ensure safety at 10 level crossings, from Km 167+980 to Km 178+200. In the days leading up to the Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026, we always remind the crossing guards to enhance their sense of responsibility on duty, strictly adhere to procedures and regulations, follow shift schedules, and receive information and signals when trains are approaching to be vigilant and prevent people from crossing when trains are about to arrive."

The Thong Nhat railway line through Thanh Hoa province is over 101km long. A unique feature of this line is that many sections run parallel to National Highway 1A and pass through residential areas. In addition, along the line there are 69 legal level crossings and 53 unauthorized crossings that exist due to historical reasons.

As Tet approaches, the railway industry increases train services and speeds. Without proper control at these locations, the risk to road safety and the direct threat to train safety are very high. Therefore, even before Tet, Thanh Hoa Railway Joint Stock Company, the unit responsible for managing the line, coordinated with the authorities of the communes and wards through which the railway passes to intensify propaganda efforts to raise public awareness of railway traffic regulations and prevent the creation of additional level crossings and pedestrian crossings that pose potential traffic safety risks. Simultaneously, the Technical Department and the various teams and crossing guards were instructed to strengthen inspections, maintenance, and repairs of infrastructure to ensure absolute train safety; and to encourage and remind the staff directly involved in train operations to strictly adhere to procedures and regulations while on duty.

According to Mr. Le Long Hung, Deputy Director of Thanh Hoa Railway Management Joint Stock Company, "The work of railway patrol and level crossing guards is always quiet, but it is a crucial link in minimizing damage caused by subjective and objective factors, ensuring absolute safety for trains traveling day and night to the North and South. Therefore, during the 9-day Lunar New Year holiday, we will deploy 100% of our personnel to be on duty at checkpoints, patrols, and level crossings. The goal is to ensure absolute smoothness and safety at level crossings for people's travel, preventing safety risks and impacts on train operations..."

Another spring is approaching. On the railway lines, setting aside the joy of Tet holiday reunions with family, the track maintenance and level crossing guards of Thanh Hoa Railway Joint Stock Company, regardless of day or night, heavy rain, or biting winds, continue to quietly and wholeheartedly dedicate themselves to their work, ensuring the safe arrival of trains at their destinations.

Khanh Huyen

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/de-nhung-chuyen-tau-binh-yen-278438.htm