Sensitivity analysis of train schedule of a railway track network using an optimization modeling technique

Abstract

Introduction: Modeling of train operations is helpful to plan railway corridor activities and optimize the use of resources. This paper models the train scheduling problem of a single line railway network with main concern to minimize total operational cost and delays with relation to position of sidings. Method: Problem is modeled as jobshop scheduling problem and solved using Branch and Bound (B&B) technique. Sensitivity analysis is done with changing the number of sidings and trains. Approach used here has quantified the relatedness between the number of sidings and train conflict delays. Objective was to show the impact of number and position of sidings on timetable. Results: Results are quantified as conflict delays and computational effort involved for each option of sensitivity analysis. Some of sidings which don’t have any impact on scheduling of this track are mentioned using this analysis. Conclusion: This technique can be used to determine the investments in terms of location and number of sidings because conflict related delays has direct relation with number and position of sidings.