Vietnam authorities have ordered businesses on Hanoi Train Street to be closed
HANOI: Authorities in Vietnam have issued a temporary closure order for the operation of one of Hanoi’s most popular attractions – the 300-meter railway line along which there are cafes, restaurants and shops.
Channel NewsAsia news agency reported that the authorities in Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi announced the action on Wednesday (September 14), citing security risk factors as the national railway company was worried about.
The order, which sparked controversy between small business operators and the local government, came into force on Saturday (September 17), and did not specify the exact duration of the closure.
Known as the Hanoi Train Street, the area in 2019 once sparked the local government’s displeasure.
Tourists who came to the location to take pictures or to see the train passing by the track were prevented by barriers put up by the authorities, while the closure order for the cafes along the side of the track was issued, for safety reasons.
However, business operators there have protested on the grounds that it affects income and slows down the growth of tourism. The protests have made the authorities relent.
Next, during the pandemic that hit the world, the area was deserted from visitors. As the country eased movement regulations in March, businesses slowly resumed operations.
“Until now, the authorities have not issued any statement about the fate of the business there. They always want to close the business here. They don’t want to find a better solution,” said the owner of Railway café, Le Tuan Anh, 50, who has been there for seven years.
According to him, the entrepreneurs in the area also took action to obtain electricity and water supply according to the correct channels, clean the track, and warn visitors to stay away from the track when the train is about to pass through it.
“Since my family lived here in 1965, there has never been any bad incident involving foreign tourists or local visitors,” he said.
The railway was built during the era of French rule in the early 20th century and is now under the management of the Vietnam Railways company.
Buildings to accommodate workers were built along the side of the track in the 1950s and 1960s for them to live with their families.
source – Agency
