The first dedicated train carrying Bach Mai Hospital employees departed Hanoi at 6:15 a.m., introducing a new commuting option for staff working between the hospital's two campuses.

Doctor Le Manh Quy of Bach Mai Hospital's Urology Center said it was his first time traveling to the second campus by train.

"Normally, I only start getting ready for work between 5:30 and 6 a.m., but today I woke up at 4:30 to make it to the station," he said.

Although he had to wake up earlier, Quy said the hospital had carefully arranged the schedule so staff could still arrive at the Ninh Binh campus before working hours.

According to the plan, the journey from Hanoi to Phu Ly Station in Ninh Binh takes just over an hour. Shuttle buses then transport hospital staff from the station to the new campus.

Quy said breakfast served on board was one of the most practical features of the service.

"On days when we travel to the second campus, many of us don't have time for breakfast. Today we were able to eat on the train, and everyone could also relax during the journey," he said.

He added that traveling by train was less exhausting than driving because traffic congestion on the Phap Van - Cau Gie Expressway is common during peak hours.

Doctor Nguyen Minh Trang, acting head of the Department of Traditional Medicine, also described the inaugural journey as an exciting experience.

"It feels very new and exciting. Traveling by train not only offers a unique experience but also helps avoid traffic congestion and reduces the risk of arriving late at the new campus," she said.

Trang said the dedicated rail service would help medical staff arrive at work on time while making the daily commute more comfortable.

Asked how she felt about being among the first doctors assigned to the new campus, Trang said she and her colleagues were both proud and excited.

"We can feel the expectations of people in Ninh Binh and neighboring provinces. We hope to contribute our expertise and meet the growing demand for high-quality healthcare," she said.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Dang Sy Manh, chairman of Vietnam Railways, described Bach Mai Hospital as one of Vietnam's leading medical institutions, whose doctors have devoted themselves to saving lives.

He said that with the Ninh Binh campus now entering operation and bringing high-quality healthcare closer to local residents, providing safe and reliable transport for medical staff had become increasingly important.

Vietnam Railways therefore designed a dedicated timetable to allow doctors to commute with greater peace of mind and less fatigue after long working days.

The Hanoi-Phu Ly train consists of 10 carriages and completes the journey in around one hour and 10 minutes. Vietnam Railways said the locomotives, coaches, stations and railway infrastructure had all been carefully prepared to ensure safe and punctual service for hospital staff.

Vu Diep