Departure of the 'Unification Train' connecting the country

Leaders of Vietnam Railways Corporation presented gifts and congratulated passengers on train SE1 before the train left Hanoi Station. Photo: Quoc Khanh/VNA

The "Reunification Train" includes 1 train SE1 departing from Hanoi station, with more than 400 passengers at 20:55 on April 29, arriving at Saigon station at 6:50 on May 1, 2025 and 1 train (SE4) with nearly 400 passengers departing from Saigon station at 19:00 on April 29, arriving at Hanoi station at 5:40 on May 1, 2025. It is expected that the two trains will meet at Da Nang station at 12:40 on April 30, 2025.

Vietnam Railways General Director Hoang Gia Khanh shared: “The moment the two trains met was an extremely memorable moment, on the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification Day. Compared to 50 years ago, it took about 4 days, or more than 80 hours, to travel from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City or vice versa, but now it only takes about 32 to 33 hours. That confirms that the quality of train operations has been significantly improved. We also always try to improve service quality and upgrade the train system to better serve passengers and complete assigned tasks well.”

In addition to the decorations with the theme “Unified Railway – A united country” at the stations, train passengers were welcomed in a vibrant atmosphere with art programs featuring revolutionary songs praising the homeland performed by the Railway Assault Art Team.

Ms. Hong Trang's family of 4 departed from Hanoi station and shared that it had been a long time since they had taken the train again. "This time, joining the Thong Nhat train journey on the occasion of the April 30 - May 1 holiday, we were extremely surprised and impressed by the bustling atmosphere of the train farewell ceremony. Everyone was holding a red flag with a yellow star. When boarding the train, the attentive service attitude of the train staff; the modern and comfortable train compartment space made everyone in my family even more impressed with the current rail travel service," Ms. Hong Trang said.

Staff and people on train SE1 departing from Hanoi Station sing together before boarding the train. Photo: Quoc Khanh/VNA

Mr. Cao Hung Nam, Head of the SE1 passenger train, said: “I have served on many trains in the past during major events of the industry, but this is the most special train, the train runs right on the occasion of the country's great anniversary. I will definitely never forget this memory. I believe that today's event is the beginning of a journey of even stronger development of the railway industry. In the future, the railway industry will have many innovations to bring the best service to the people.”

Representatives of Vietnam Railways hope that each passenger on this train will be a Happy Passenger, to further appreciate the value of "Independence - Freedom" and love their homeland and country more.

Passengers traveling on the “Reunification Train” will enjoy live music on the train from Hue station to Da Nang (for SE1) and from Tam Ky - Da Nang (for SE4); and will be welcomed with a special ceremony at Da Nang Station on April 30.

Source: https://baoquangninh.vn/khoi-hanh-doan-tau-thong-nhat-noi-lien-non-song-mot-dai-3355852.html