Recently, the Ministry of Transport of Vietnam has approved a project to use steam locomotives on the Hue – Da Nang railway line, part of the Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh route, for tourism purposes.

The project will be jointly implemented by Vietnam Railways Corporation (VNR) and Indochina Railway Travel Service Company Limited.

The investor needs to complete the necessary infrastructure such as a swing bridge or standard fire hydrants for the steam locomotive to operate.

With a total investment of VND 81 billion, Indochina Railway Company Limited must pay for the use of the railway and return the infrastructure at the request of the Ministry. On the other hand, VNR will manage transportation services and charting operations.

Steam trains were no longer used in Vietnam in the 1990s and were replaced by diesel-powered trains.

Going through Hai Van Pass – one of the most beautiful passes in Vietnam, the new steam train includes VIP carriages, restaurants, kitchens, and sightseeing wagons, promising to attract more visitors from the Mausoleum. She (Hue) came to Da Nang.

Aerial view of train and railway on Hai Van pass

The steam train operation will not affect passenger and freight transport on the North-South railway.