The Viet Nam Railway Authority has recently issued a document asking for feedback from localities nationwide on the temporary resumption of passenger transport by train provided safety measures against COVID-19 are ensured.

Under the plan mapped out by the Viet Nam Railways Cooperation (VNR), the Ha Noi – HCM City route will resume in phases, the first from October 7 - 17 with the SE7/SE8 train pair from October 7, and the SE5/SE6 pair from October 8. Meanwhile, the second phase will run from October 18 - 27 with the operation of the SE3/SE4 pair.

As for the Ha Noi – Hai Phong route, the first phase will start on October 8 with the SP5/SP6 pair, whilst the second phase will kick off on October 18 with the LP33/8 pair, with HP2/LP7 operating on weekends.

The Ha Noi – Vinh route will resume on October 8 with the operation of the NA1/2 train pair.

On October 15, the Đa Nang – HCM City route will re-open with the SE21/SE22 pair.

On November 1, the Nha Trang – HCM City route will be back in operation with the SNT1/2 pair, and Phan Thiet – HCM City with the SPT1/2 pair.

From December 1 onwards, trains will resume operations in pairs. Several other routes including HCM City – Nha Trang and HCM City – Phan Thiet will also be scheduled depending on the travel demand.

The organisation of train re-operation must strictly comply with the provisions of the interim guidance and other relevant regulations in order to ensure safe adaptation, and flexibly and effectively control the pandemic. It is forbidden to pick up and drop off passengers in stations not included in this plan. 

Previously, commercial railway services had been halted since late August in many localities where stringent social distancing rule were in force in line with Prime Minister’s Directive No.16.

Reporting by THANH LAN – Translating by ANH THU