On the Happiness Train

As the fireworks faded and the vibrant atmosphere of the Lunar New Year 2026 filled the streets, the story of a train ablaze with the colors of spring rolling on New Year's Eve was recounted with emotion. More than just a transportation journey, the "Happiness Train" became a symbol of sharing, social responsibility, and the joy of reunion.

Comrade Le Quoc Minh, Member of the Central Committee of the Party, Editor-in-Chief of Nhan Dan Newspaper, Deputy Head of the Central Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Department, and President of the Vietnam Journalists Association , along with leaders of the Vietnam Railway Corporation, visited, encouraged, and presented gifts to the train drivers and crew. (Photo by THANH DAT)

As the New Year's Eve countdown approached on the 29th day of the 12th lunar month of the Year of the Snake (2015), the bustling atmosphere of the final hours of the year swept in at Hanoi Railway Station. A train, resplendent with the colors of spring, was preparing to leave the station. The train's exterior prominently displayed the red flag with a yellow star and the emblem of the Nhan Dan Newspaper. The interior was vividly decorated with vibrant colors and warm lighting.

The "Happy Train" program, organized by Nhan Dan Newspaper in collaboration with Vietnam Railways Corporation and Coteccons Construction Joint Stock Company, aims to spread the spirit of compassion and awaken national pride in the early days of spring. For the first time, a train adorned with a vibrant appearance rolls along the north-south route, creating a new highlight in transportation activities during Tet.

Mr. Vu Duc Dung, along with his mother, wife, and two young children, boarded the "Happiness Train" to Nam Dinh ward, Ninh Binh province. His business in Hanoi means he almost always arranges to return home on the last day of the year. According to him, the main reason is the pressure of business during the days leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year). His family always hopes to return earlier, but in reality, it's not always possible. However, returning on the last day of the year creates a unique memory for the family. The children clearly feel the approaching Tet atmosphere, witness the hustle and bustle of the crowds, hear the train's announcements, and experience the moment the old year ends. "Today, boarding the train, I realized this is the Happiness Train. The space is clean, beautifully decorated, the children are very excited, and the whole family feels much happier and warmer," Mr. Dung shared.

In another train compartment, Nguyen Van Thang, 33, from Dong Hoi (Quang Tri province), quietly monitored the journey on his phone, occasionally texting his family to let them know the expected arrival time. Due to work commitments in Hanoi, he couldn't be with his family before the New Year. Returning home on this last night train of the year therefore held special significance. "I feel very happy and joyful to be home to celebrate Tet with my family. The feeling of reunion is truly indescribable, very happy," Thang said.

Comrade Le Quoc Minh, Member of the Central Committee of the Party, Editor-in-Chief of Nhan Dan Newspaper, Deputy Head of the Central Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Department, and President of the Vietnam Journalists Association, along with leaders of the Vietnam Railway Corporation, visited, encouraged, and presented gifts to the train drivers and crew. (Photo by THANH DAT)

Young passenger Hoang Hai Dang, 25 years old, originally from Ninh Binh province, used to return home before the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month when he was a university student. But this year is his first year working in Hanoi, so arranging to return just before New Year's Eve felt completely new. The train journey to Ninh Binh only takes about two hours, but when he received New Year's gifts from the leaders of Nhan Dan Newspaper and Vietnam Railways Corporation, Mr. Dang was surprised and moved: "There are people on the train who have traveled very far, all the way to central and southern Vietnam. These New Year's gifts make us feel much warmer returning to our families after a whole year away."

Among the bustling crowd was Charlotte Amalie, a German tourist who chose to travel to Da Nang during the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. "I'm excited to celebrate Tet with the other passengers on the ship," she shared.

For Vu Dinh Lam, 33, a service staff member on the "Happiness Train," this was his first time serving on a train on New Year's Eve. Lam shared that his feelings were a mix of emotion and pride. Having worked in the industry for many years, he was used to year-end shifts, but serving on a train named "Happiness," with the words "Nhan Dan" (People) emblazoned on its body, gave him a very unique experience.

According to him, the greatest significance of the train journey lies in its message of serving the people. The words "People" on the train's body, for him, are a clear reminder of professional responsibility. On New Year's Eve, passengers and staff share the same space, waiting for the moment of transition, and exchanging New Year's greetings. That moment makes the boundary between service providers and passengers seem closer.

Mr. Phan Van Phuc, 54 years old, the team leader of train 950, made a different choice on New Year's Eve. Having been involved with the railway industry for many years, Mr. Phuc said that his greatest motivation comes from his love for the profession and his affection for passengers. “Even though it wasn't my shift, I still wanted to see everyone off to their hometowns. Over the past year, passengers have accompanied Vietnam Railways. I want to express my gratitude to them,” Mr. Phuc shared. Standing on the platform, watching each person board the train with radiant eyes, he clearly felt the spiritual value that the program brought. Mr. Phuc believes that the love and trust that passengers have for the service team, for those working in transportation, is a great source of motivation for those in the industry to strive every day.

The "Happiness Train" was created as a New Year's greeting to 2026, carrying the wish for a warm and joyful beginning. On each train carriage, joy spreads through New Year's wishes and the shared glances of passengers who were once strangers but became close on the same journey. The image of the train bearing the Nhan Dan Newspaper logo rolling along the north-south route has created a humane highlight in social welfare activities, while also contributing to promoting the image of the country in the vibrant colors of spring.

According to Nhan Dan newspaper

Source: https://baotuyenquang.com.vn/xa-hoi/202602/tren-chuyen-tau-hanh-phuc-bab0f56/