Every Year, During Vietnam’s Tet Festival, Thousands Rely on Railway Workers for Safe Passage
As families across Vietnam prepare to reunite for the nation’s most cherished holiday, railway workers in Thanh Hoa operate behind the scenes, ensuring millions of travelers reach their loved ones safely. These dedicated professionals work tirelessly, often at personal sacrifice, to keep railway infrastructure secure amid the holiday rush. With increased train schedules, unpredictable weather, and hundreds of level crossings, their role becomes even more critical in maintaining seamless connectivity during this peak travel period.
Behind the Scenes: The Unsung Heroes of Thanh Hoa’s Rail Network
The essence of railway safety during Tet lies in the relentless vigilance of personnel who monitor, maintain, and protect the network around the clock. Unlike the festive hustle and bustle seen by travelers, these workers often operate in silence, their efforts vital yet invisible to most. They confront complex challenges: from inspecting tracks for potential damage to managing the chaos at crossings, all while upholding a high standard of safety that prevents accidents and delays.
The Dedication of Rail Safety Inspectors
One such individual, Do Viet Tuan, exemplifies unwavering commitment to railway safety. With over two decades in the industry, Tuan has spent the past seven years as a track inspector—auditing hundreds of kilometers of tracks daily. His job involves more than just technical checks; it’s a vigilant watch for potential hazards that could threaten train operations. Tuan’s routine includes walking along the rails, examining supports, switches, and signaling equipment, ensuring everything remains in prime condition.
During Tet, when passenger volume surges, Tuan and his colleagues double their efforts. They understand that their work directly impacts people’s ability to reunite with loved ones, making their task truly significant. While others enjoy holiday festivities, these safety patrols continue, hours on end, embodying a sense of duty that transcends personal comfort.
The Heightened Risks at Level Crossings During Holidays
One of the most dangerous points on Thanh Hoa’s rail network lies at level crossings, where road and rail intersect. The upcoming holiday surge leads to an increase in both train and vehicle traffic. Level crossing attendants face mounting pressure, as impatient drivers sometimes ignore barriers and signals, trying to speed past in a rush. Such reckless behavior dramatically elevates the risk of accidents, demanding increased vigilance from personnel controlling these crossings.
Nguyen Thanh Tung, in charge of Thanh Hoa’s level crossing controls, emphasizes the importance of strict adherence to safety protocols. His team’s responsibilities include ensuring barriers are fully lowered when trains pass and coordinating with traffic authorities to manage congestion. Tung reports that during peak days, he personally supervises operations at critical crossings, instructing personnel to stay alert and act decisively if any irregularities arise.
Managing the Complex Geographical and Structural Challenges
The Thong Nhat railway line, stretching 101 kilometers through Thanh Hoa, encounters unique physical and logistical challenges. The route runs parallel to major highways, passing through densely populated zones with numerous crossings. The region hosts 69 official level crossings, along with 53 informal or historically created pedestrian roads, some of which lack official permissions but are still used daily. These structures add layers of complexity to maintain safety, especially as speeds increase during holiday periods.
Weather also plays a vital role. Heavy rains and cold winds during Tet can weaken infrastructure, causing track misalignment or signaling issues. Maintenance crews deploy rapid repair teams and crack down on any potential hazards that could disrupt train schedules or endanger passengers.
Proactive Measures to Minimize Risks During Peak Travel
To handle the holiday rush, the Thanh Hoa Railway Corporation ramps up safety protocols. They coordinate closely with local authorities to clear informally used crossings and reinforce official ones. Signage warnings, public awareness campaigns, and increased patrols target both travelers and residents living near the tracks.
On the operational side, maintenance crews perform scheduled inspections to identify and fix emerging issues proactively. Trains operate at slightly reduced speeds in vulnerable sections, and emergency response plans are rehearsed regularly to ensure swift actions in case of accidents. Training sessions emphasize strict adherence to safety procedures, emphasizing communication and punctuality among staff members.
Training and Empowering Staff for a Safe Holiday Period
Behind every successful safety operation during Tet, there are comprehensive training programs. Personnel are trained not only in technical repairs but also in crisis management and communication. Tung’s team, for example, conducts daily drills to simulate various emergency scenarios, such as barrier failures or unexpected pedestrian crossings.
Particularly during busy travel days, staff work in teams, exchanging real-time information through radios and monitoring systems. Their role extends beyond mere technical enforcement; they become the frontline ambassadors of safety, whose calmness and professionalism reassure travelers and prevent panic.
Community Engagement and Public Awareness Campaigns
Another cornerstone of safety during the holiday is community involvement. Thanh Hoa’s authorities actively engage local residents through public campaigns, emphasizing the dangers of crossing tracks illegally and participating in safety initiatives. Educational programs target students, drivers, and pedestrians to instill a sense of responsibility for their safety and that of others.
Local media, social networks, and community meetings broadcast safety messages repeatedly, fostering a culture of caution and respect for railway operations. Their efforts contribute significantly to reducing reckless behavior at crossings and spreading awareness of the risks involved during the heightened activity of Tet.
The Invisible Line of Safety That Connects Families During the Holidays
While crowds rush and bustling stations fill with anticipation, it’s these unsung railway heroes who quietly ensure everything runs smoothly. Their relentless efforts maintain the continuity of millions of journeys, allowing families to celebrate reunion and joy without worrying about the safety of their loved ones traveling across Thanh Hoa.
Despite the physical exhaustion and emotional weight carried amidst the holiday frenzy, their commitment remains unwavering. Each inspection, each vigilant eye at crossings, and each repair undertaken under harsh weather conditions translate into secure, uninterrupted journeys for thousands of passengers. Their sacrifices underline the vital role of operational safety, serving as the backbone of Vietnam’s vibrant Tet celebrations.
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