VietNamNet Bridge - The Vietnam Railway Corporation on May 29 launched high-quality express railway for the route Hanoi- Dong Dang (Lang Son province).

As scheduled, there are four trains everyday between Hanoi and Dong Dang. The time for the route will be 3 hours and 35 minutes, cutting 3 hours compared to other train in the route. The Railway Corporation uses made-in-Korean trains with air conditioner and luxury decoration materials and TV. There is a wagon serving meals and beverage.

The highest fare for the train is VND105,000(US$4.8). The railway is offering discount of 30 percent for those who buy tickets for June trains.

Representative from the Railway Corporation said that as the route Hanoi-Dong Dang has few passengers so the company focuses on upgrade services for the route.

If it achieves success, the company will develop other routes too.

In the first month of operation, the fare will be 30% off. Passengers can buy tickets at stations or through the electronic ticketing website of the Vietnam Railway Corporation (http://dsvn.vn).

Some pictures of the train:

On May 29, the first pair of high-class passenger trains on the Hanoi - Dong Dang (Lang Son province) began operation, with the traveling time shortened from 5.5 to 3.5 hours.         The six high-quality carriages are painted in light yellow - green, unlike the traditional carriages.         All carriages are equipped with air conditioning systems, speakers, and pictures of famous tourism sites in Vietnam.       The soft chairs with armrest can recline by 45 degrees backwards. Each carriage has three LCD screens, and broadcasting entertainment programs to serve passengers.                 The toilets are spacious and clean, equipped with modern facilities.       There is a restaurant carriage.       The staff also supply food and drinks on the spot.       There are two male workers at each door to check tickets and help the elderly, the disabled or children.       The train departs at 9:45 and 18h35 at Gia Lam Station, Hanoi and arrives at Dong Dang Station at 13h20 and 22h10. The train leaves Dong Dang Station at 5:30 and 14h20 and arrives at Gia Lam Station at 9h05 and 17h45. The train stops at the stations of Gia Lam, Bac Giang, Lang Son, and Dong Dang.