The quiet profession of "ahead of the train"

(Baohatinh.vn) - On the North-South railway line through Ha Tinh, railway workers silently patrol ahead of trains, checking every joint and bolt to ensure the tracks remain safe and open.

From early morning, the road maintenance workers began their new shift.

After preparing their whistles, flags, GPS phones, notebooks, rail inspection hammers, flares, and other specialized tools, the track workers begin their patrol.

Ha Tinh currently has over 70 km of the North-South railway line running through it. Every day, railway workers quietly patrol the line, inspecting every rail joint, bolt, trackbed, and vulnerable point, promptly detecting potential safety hazards and ensuring the smooth operation of trains.

After the rains, the tracks become more slippery, increasing the risk of landslides and falling trees, making the work of the track maintenance workers even more difficult.

Mr. Nguyen Kim Hoi, a railway maintenance worker on the Huong Pho section of the Nghe Tinh Railway Joint Stock Company, shared: “I have been working as a railway maintenance worker for 26 years. Every day, I walk about 16km both ways, working 8 hours to inspect track equipment, connecting structures, level crossings, railway safety corridors, etc. This job requires extreme caution and careful observation of every small detail. Just a moment of carelessness can affect the safety of the entire train.”

These days, the weather in Ha Tinh is scorching hot, the heat radiating from the stone pavement and rails making the work of patrolling the railway even more arduous. In the summer heat, the clothes of the railway patrol workers are drenched in sweat, their faces tanned, but the pace of patrolling never slows down.

Many sections of the railway pass through remote, sparsely populated mountainous areas. In addition to inspecting the railway line, track workers regularly remind people to comply with railway safety regulations and not to cross dangerous, unauthorized level crossings.

Mr. Thai Ha, a railway patrol worker on the Phuc Trach section of the Nghe Tinh Railway Joint Stock Company, said: “During patrols, we have to detect damage and obstacles on the line, and at the same time, check the traffic safety corridor, unauthorized crossings, and the signage system to promptly report to the relevant unit for handling. There are many unauthorized crossings on the Phuc Trach section, so we regularly educate and remind people to comply with safety regulations.”

Road patrol workers exchange their "road passes" before continuing their patrol shift. The exchange of road passes is a mandatory procedure to confirm the safety of the road section before resuming patrol duties.

Besides working during the day, the track maintenance workers also take turns on night duty. In the dim light of flashlights in the darkness, they silently inspect each section of rail, monitoring vulnerable points to promptly address any problems.

Mr. Nguyen Sy Nhan, a track maintenance worker on the Cho Thuong section of the Nghe Tinh Railway Joint Stock Company, shared: “Working at night is more difficult because visibility is limited, especially on rainy days. But we track maintenance workers always have to maintain high concentration to ensure the safety of trains running through the night. This job faces many dangers, but we still have to stay on the line 24/7.”

During patrol shifts, the entire condition of the railway line is carefully recorded in the logbook. This serves as a basis for monitoring and addressing safety risks and for managing train operations.

Mr. Nguyen Tien Dung – Head of the Huong Pho section, Nghe Tinh Railway Joint Stock Company, said: “The job of railway patrol has many unique characteristics. Rain or shine, workers must be present on the line to ensure absolute safety for passing trains. The unit arranges three shifts per day, maintains 24/7 inspections, and manages labor through a GPS system. Due to the strenuous nature of the work, the unit always pays attention to health check-ups, salaries, bonuses, and other policies for employees every year.”

Amidst the constant movement of the North-South railway line, railway maintenance workers in Ha Tinh quietly continue their arduous work. Their dedication and sense of responsibility contribute to keeping trains safe and running smoothly.

Source: https://baohatinh.vn/lang-tham-nghe-di-truoc-nhung-chuyen-tau-post311161.html