Around 1,200 doctors, nurses and hospital employees will rotate between Bach Mai Hospital's main campus in Hanoi and its second campus in Ninh Binh, with an estimated 500 to 700 staff members commuting each day.

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Building on the success of a commuter train linking Hai Duong and Hai Phong, Vietnam Railways has launched the Hanoi-Phu Ly service to transport Bach Mai Hospital staff each day. Photo: VNR.

From June 26, Vietnam Railways Corporation (VNR) officially introduced the dedicated PL1/PL2 train service operating between Hanoi and Phu Ly to transport medical staff travelling from Hanoi to Bach Mai Hospital's Ninh Binh campus.

A 65-minute journey with essential onboard amenities

Speaking to VietNamNet, Nguyen Chinh Nam, Deputy General Director of VNR, said the dedicated train service was developed in response to Bach Mai Hospital's operational needs as its second campus in Ninh Binh begins receiving staff.

According to information provided by the hospital, about 1,200 employees will rotate between the Hanoi and Ninh Binh campuses. Of those, between 500 and 700 are expected to travel each day.

"The healthcare sector requires staff to arrive at work on time with a high level of precision. If they travel by road, coordinating pickup points while ensuring punctuality would be difficult, especially given the heavy traffic congestion at Hanoi's gateway areas during rush hour," Nam said.

According to the railway operator, the train journey from Hanoi to Phu Ly takes only about 65 to 70 minutes while offering highly reliable travel times.

"The greatest advantage of rail transport is its fixed timetable, which is not affected by road congestion. This allows doctors and healthcare workers to better manage their schedules and reduces the stress of daily commuting," Nam said.

The train is equipped with essential onboard facilities, including food and beverage services and other basic amenities, allowing staff to rest and prepare before beginning their shifts.

In Ninh Binh, connecting shuttle buses will transport passengers from the railway station to the hospital.

Before launching the "Bach Mai Train", Vietnam Railways operated a dedicated commuter train transporting government employees between Hai Duong and Hai Phong following the administrative restructuring of local government units. Photo: Thu Hang.

More than an economic calculation

Responding to questions about the operational efficiency of such a dedicated train, Nam said the project is about much more than revenue.

He noted that Vietnam Railways had previously operated a commuter train serving employees travelling between Hai Phong and the former Hai Duong Province. Although passenger numbers were modest at first, the service eventually proved effective and received positive feedback from users.

"For the Bach Mai Train, the projected occupancy rate is expected to be relatively high, ensuring a financially balanced operation," he said.

Nam added that beyond its commercial value, the Bach Mai Train also serves broader social welfare objectives while encouraging greater use of public transport.

If hundreds of healthcare workers travelled by private vehicles every day, traffic volumes along the Hanoi-Ninh Binh corridor would increase significantly, placing greater pressure on the road network and raising safety risks.

"This solution helps reduce pressure on road transport while making better use of the railway's advantage in directly connecting urban centres with neighbouring localities," Nam said.

Future service could also benefit patients

Initially, the train will operate from Monday to Friday to serve Bach Mai Hospital staff.

However, Vietnam Railways said it is prepared to adjust operations if the hospital requires weekend services or transport at other times.

In the longer term, the train is also expected to meet the travel needs of patients seeking medical treatment at either of Bach Mai Hospital's two campuses.

"In our joint planning, this transport service is intended to serve not only hospital staff but also members of the public travelling for medical care in this area in the future," Nam said.

Vietnam Railways and Bach Mai Hospital are currently finalising ticket pricing. Railway officials said fares will be set at a reasonable and competitive level, appropriate to the travel distance.

Vu Diep