The Dĩ An Railway Factory: A Historic Gem in Vietnam’s Industrial Landscape
The Dĩ An Railway Factory, nestled in the heart of Bình Dương province, boasts a rich history that dates back to 1902. Originally built by the French with a majestic colonial architecture, the factory played a crucial role in the construction and maintenance of the Đông Dương railway system. Known then as the Grand Atelier des Chemins de Fer de Dĩ An, it served as a hub for railway logistics and repairs.
Post-1975, the factory came under state management and was later privatized, contributing significantly to the production, maintenance, and repair of train carriages and equipment for domestic transport companies. Its significance was recognized in 2013 when it was designated as a historical and cultural relic of Bình Dương province.
Presently, the Dĩ An Railway Factory is managed by the Dĩ An Railway Joint Stock Company and is located at 8 Lý Thường Kiệt, Ward Dĩ An, Dĩ An City, Bình Dương. The original design by the French encompassed a workspace area of approximately 4,000 square meters, including offices, a grand hall, workshops, and raw material warehouses. The production system was divided into four main workshops.
The Dĩ An Railway Factory specializes in the repair and manufacturing of train carriages, production of carriage parts, and other mechanical products. In 2016, Saigon railway transport units proposed a pilot project for the production of high-quality train carriages at the factory. This initiative bore fruit as dozens of carriages, crafted by skilled Vietnamese engineers, rolled out, marking a significant step towards self-sufficiency in Vietnam’s railway industry.
According to railway experts and scientists, there is a need to establish a direction based on the existing railway industry to train human resources and acquire equipment to master metro technology. With the right approach and technology transfer, local engineers are well-equipped to manufacture metro train carriages in the future.
A Glimpse Inside the Oldest Railway Factory in Indochina
The factory’s workshop retains its colonial-era architecture, spanning an impressive 20,000 square meters. It was recognized as a historical and cultural relic of Bình Dương province in 2013.
The interior of the workshop has been refurbished, with constantly updated railway machinery. The factory proactively seeks out diverse orders to ensure its sustainability.
Skilled artisans diligently work on repairing old train carriages, ensuring their longevity.
Regular maintenance, such as oiling the wheels to prevent rust, is a crucial aspect of the factory’s operations.
Workers engage in the arduous task of welding old carriages, facing challenges due to low wages and difficult working conditions.
In the new workshop, final touches are being applied, transforming old and dilapidated carriages into refurbished ones.
The factory proudly showcases its finished products, including train engines and carriages, ready to embark on their journeys.
Unlocking Regional Potential: A $5.3 Billion Investment to Create a Transport Hub, Connecting Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam’s Future Centrally-Governed City
As the gateway connecting Ho Chi Minh City and Binh Duong Province (which is set to become a centrally-governed city by 2030), the Song Than intersection currently only has a two-tier structure. The narrow An Binh road, with its two lanes, often experiences heavy congestion.
