Restoring steam train between Da Nang - Hue

The railway passes through Hai Van Pass - Photo: NHAT LINH

Restoring the last two steam locomotives in our country

Indochina Railway Tourism Service Joint Stock Company said it has reached a cooperation agreement with Wafaifo Optimisers Company to officially manage the Revolution Express steam train.

The Revolution Express steam train aims to bring a new and different travel experience to the Central region, by restoring two steam locomotives manufactured in the 1960s. This project is expected to be put into operation in late 2024 or early 2025.

Design on the Revolution Express steam train when put into operation - Photo: D.D.

The two restored steam locomotives are also the last two steam locomotives operating in Vietnam in the past, domestically manufactured according to the French Mikado design.

Over the years, Vietnamese railway engineers specializing in steam trains have perfected the pieces of the original parts, to put the train into operation in its perfect condition as before.

Under the new design, the locomotives will mount and control two classically designed passenger cars, each with a capacity of up to 57 passengers, along with a uniquely designed kitchen car and a separate luggage car.

When put into operation, Revolution Express is expected to depart daily between Da Nang and Hue, giving passengers a new experience when admiring the majestic scenery through Hai Van Pass.

The French Mikado-designed steam locomotive has just been restored - Photo: D.D.

Themed meals at 3 stations along the way

Mr. Michael Gebbie, representative of Indochina Railway Tourism Service Joint Stock Company, said that the highlight of this journey is that the tourist experience will include themed meals at three stations along the journey: Kim Lien (Da Nang), Lang Co and Hue (Thua Thien Hue province).

Each station will have its own menu and entertainment schedule to welcome passengers from Revolution Express.

All three stations are expected to operate according to three themes according to each historical period, such as the Hue royal court theme, the colonial theme, and the independence theme to help visitors travel back in time on their journey.

"We hope to bring back the old traces of the railway system, reviving important stages in Vietnam's history from the imperial period to the colonial period, and finally the struggle for independence," said Mr. Gebbie.

Currently, the tourist train "Connecting Central Heritage" connecting Da Nang - Hue has been exploited, the Revolution Express journey will also bring new experiences to visitors through Hai Van Pass - Photo: NHAT LINH

Long-term project to restore steamboats

Previously, Vietnam Railways Corporation sent a request to the Ministry of Transport for permission to connect the dedicated railway track of the Steam Locomotive Tourist Train project from Hue to Da Nang with the national railway.

This project has been implemented by Indochina Railway Company since 2016. Accordingly, this company has invested all capital from building new, renovating locomotives, carriages for railway transport business as well as supporting infrastructure, renting national railway infrastructure, land for railway to serve train operation organization...

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/khoi-phuc-tau-lua-chay-bang-hoi-nuoc-giua-da-nang-hue-20240524103926352.htm