Locomotive assignment problem integrating the strategic tactical and operational level aspects

Abstract

Since the first appearance of mechanised rail transport systems in England in the 1820s, railways have developed to a great extent to become the primary form of long-distance land transportation for people as well as bulk materials across the world. Over the past couple of centuries, with increase in the significance of railways to the economy, the complexity of railway networks and consequently the decision making involved has only increased. Depending on the scope, time horizon and investment requirements, the level of decision making in railways management varies in scope to a substantial extent. Railways management can be explained in a hierarchical approach to describe three levels of decision making involved in railways management namely: strategic, tactical and operational. Broadly speaking, railway operations can be viewed as allocation of resources and facilities to meet the demand of different trains based on a predetermined timetable (Operational level). To enable this, decisions pertaining to the frequency and length of trains, train selection and routing, allocation of locomotive types to trains, network design, location of yards, fleet sizing etc. need to be taken beforehand (Strategic/ Tactical level). newline