The keepers of safety for railways

In the endless flow of time, railway crossing guards are synonymous with dedication, silently safeguarding the safety of every train journey. They are the steady heartbeat of Vietnam’s railways, overcoming countless challenges to ensure each train reaches its destination safely. Since the railway industry’s earliest days, crossing guards have written stories of responsibility, courage, and devotion to their profession, regardless of changing times.
A railway crossing guard.
A railway crossing guard.

A familiar image, an enduring mission

Many decades ago, the railway crossing guards became an inseparable symbol of the railway industry. In their plain blue uniforms, holding signal flags and wooden barrier poles, they stood at railway crossings to coordinate traffic safety. Their tools at that time were rather primitive: oil lamps, hand whistles, and signal boards. However, their focus and dedication were key to ensuring no mishaps occurred.

During wartime, this work became even more gruelling. Bombs could fall at any moment, yet the crossing guards remained steadfast, repairing tracks and keeping these vital routes flowing. For them, train safety was not merely a responsibility, but a matter of honour.

Today, though technology has transformed transport operations, their image retains its value. In modern society, crossing guards continue to be a crucial force, quietly maintaining safety for millions of train journeys and tens of millions of passengers each year.

According to statistics from Vietnam Railways (VNR), the country currently has over 3,000 level crossings between roads and railways. Of these, only about 10% are fitted with automatic warning systems. The remainder largely depend on the presence and responsibility of the country’s more than 4,000 crossing guards.

In 2024, the railway sector transported 7 million passengers and 5 million tonnes of cargo. This means thousands of trains daily require seamless coordination between humans and machines to ensure safety. Reports show that at manned crossings, traffic accidents have decreased by more than 60% compared to unmanned points. These figures clearly demonstrate their irreplaceable role in the railway transport network.

Tales of silent heroes

The duties of railway crossing guards extend far beyond operating barriers. Behind their work lie moving stories of courage and responsibility.

On the morning of August 31, 2022, at a crossing between Cau Giat and Yen Ly, crossing guard Pham Thi Huong faced a perilous situation: a careless man stumbled onto the tracks as a train was approaching at high speed. Without hesitation, she rushed forward and pulled the man away from the train’s path just in the nick of time. Her quick reflexes and brave spirit saved a life by mere seconds.

On April 7, 2024, in Trang Bom, Dong Nai Province, veteran crossing guard Trinh Dinh Dung saved a man who was attempting suicide on the tracks. Upon spotting the incident, Dung had merely four seconds to act. Disregarding his own safety, he rushed forward and pulled the man from the tracks moments before the train arrived. Dung’s story not only earned him his coworkers’ admiration but also spread appreciation for crossing guards throughout the community.

As station chief at a crossing on National Highway 32, Nguyen Thi Lan is known as a “train safety champion”. For many years, she has devotedly ensured the absolute safety of every train passing through her station. During peak hours, she handles dozens of dangerous situations daily, from preventing vehicle violations to helping pedestrians cross the tracks safely.

At midday on July 28, 2020, in Bien Hoa City, Tran Van Nam rescued a man trapped on the tracks directly in front of an oncoming train. Drawing on over 20 years of experience, Nam swiftly handled the situation and saved the victim’s life by a hair’s breadth.

These stories demonstrate not only their sense of responsibility but also the quiet sacrifices made by railway crossing guards.

Challenges in the modern era

The new era has brought numerous technological improvements to the railway sector. Automatic warning systems, surveillance cameras, AI sensors and the like are being deployed to reduce human workload. However, technology cannot entirely replace crossing guards, especially at crossings that haven’t been modernised.

Currently, more than 2,400 level crossings nationwide still depend entirely on crossing guards. Worryingly, this workforce faces an ageing crisis. Statistics show that over 30% of crossing guards are above 50 years old. Meanwhile, the average monthly salary of only 6-8 million VND (235-315 USD) is not sufficient to attract younger workers.

Moreover, the heavy workloads and high pressure mean many have to work 12-14 hours daily. Nevertheless, they persevere, as public safety remains their top priority.

To improve efficiency, the railway sector needs to accelerate automation, invest in modern infrastructure, and enhance compensation for crossing guards. Additionally, focus should be placed on recruiting and training young people to ensure the next generation is strong in both expertise and sense of duty.

However, regardless of how advanced technology becomes, the heart and dedication of crossing guards remain decisive factors. People like Huong, Dung, Lan, and Nam not only ensure traffic safety but also help preserve humanitarian values in society.

On these railways, they are the constant heartbeat, connecting journeys and bringing confidence and peace of mind to all. And as time passes, crossing guards will forever remain the silent heroes of Vietnam’s railways.

NDO