Two restored steam locomotives have completed technical test runs on the Hải Vân Pass section between Huế and Đà Nẵng, Viet Nam News reported. The engines, built by the French company Mikado and in service since the 1960s, were restored by Vietnamese and international experts. The tests found they met requirements for technical specifications, bridge and track load capacity and overall condition.
Vietnam Railways and the cities of Huế and Đà Nẵng have agreed to develop a steam-powered train mainly for tourism, to highlight historical and cultural values. The two cities are also studying a stop in the Hải Vân Pass area where passengers could look at the scenery and take photos. The report gives no launch date, fares or timetable.
The report also notes that Condé Nast Traveler's reader-vote ranking of the world's 20 most beautiful rail journeys placed the Huế–Đà Nẵng Central Heritage Connection tenth and the Đà Nẵng–Quy Nhơn–Nha Trang Vietage by Anantara 14th. Nguyễn Thị Hồng Thắm, director of the Đà Nẵng Tourism Promotion Centre, called it a positive signal for promoting tourism in the central region.
Why it matters: The Huế–Đà Nẵng line over Hải Vân is already the best-known scenic rail section in the country. A steam service would be a different product from the existing heritage carriages, but nothing is scheduled yet.
Sources
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