On January 6, VNR held a conference to outline its 2025 business plan. CEO Hoang Gia Khanh acknowledged that the railway sector faced severe disruptions due to infrastructure damage from landslides at Chi Thanh and Bai Gio tunnels, compounded by the impact of natural disasters.

Despite these obstacles, VNR implemented a range of innovative strategies, introducing new products and services that combined transportation with cultural, historical, and tourism experiences.

Key initiatives included launching the SE21/22 train connecting Saigon and Da Nang, promoting heritage routes in Central Vietnam, and introducing the Sjourney luxury train. Other notable developments included the La Reine (Queen) train on the Da Lat–Trai Mat route and creative events like the "Thanh Xuan" fashion show at Saigon Station.

In addition to passenger services, VNR expanded its freight operations. This included international freight trains transporting goods and agricultural products from Song Than to China, as well as the successful north-south transportation of liquefied natural gas (LNG) for the first time.

Thanks to these efforts, VNR’s business results for 2024 surpassed expectations:

Passenger transport: Over 7 million passengers, a 14% increase compared to the plan and the previous year.

Freight transport: Over 5 million tons of cargo, exceeding the plan by 7.1% and increasing 11.4% year-on-year.

Consolidated revenue: Approximately 9.7 trillion VND ($406 million USD), a 7.8% rise compared to the plan and a 7.9% increase year-on-year.

Post-tax profit: Over 220 billion VND ($9.2 million USD).

Average monthly income: Nearly 13 million VND ($544 USD) per worker, up 11.5% from the previous year.

Deputy Minister of Transport Nguyen Danh Huy praised VNR's accomplishments and highlighted the transformative potential of the recently approved North-South high-speed rail project, which will break ground in 2027.

This landmark project, 18 years in the making, reflects strong consensus from Vietnam’s Party and Government.

Once completed, the high-speed rail will be handed over to VNR for operation, maintenance, and management.

Deputy Minister Huy emphasized the need for concrete strategies to address human resource demands for the project, urging VNR to proactively plan and develop skilled personnel.

The Ministry of Transport also encouraged VNR to prioritize the development of the railway industry, including fostering industrial partnerships.

The Ministry pledged to support VNR with favorable policies, while advising careful financial planning and strategic collaborations with suitable partners to ensure sustainable growth.

N. Huyen