Innovations to improve rail freight efficiency : considerations for emerging economies

Abstract

Given the overtime decline in rail freight volumes in emerging economies, this review explores key measurable innovations, in rail freight transportation that have improved rail logistics efficiency in developed countries. A systematic approach was used in this review to select and extract data from published journal articles. Journal articles included were only those that showed and reported impact of key innovations on various rail freight efficiency outcomes. There are 4 (four) innovation clusters namely; i.) investment; ii.) operational management; iii.) policy and or regulatory framework; and iv.) technology and automation. These clusters were reported to have a positive impact on rail freight efficiency measures including transport costs, routing, rolling stock rotation and real-time dispatching, customer satisfaction, rail freight infrastructure and improved railway safety. This article highlights that opportunities exist to implement various innovations in emerging countries. However, the success of these innovations, in improving rail freight efficiency, is dependent on context and evidence-driven assessments of the challenges related to rail freight operational efficiency in the different emerging economies. Additionally, governmental commitment to implementation of sound policies and strong collaboration with various stakeholders, including the private sector, is required to successfully implement innovations and improve rail freight efficiency.