Computer applications in railway operation

Abstract

One of the main goals of the railway simulation technique is the formation of a model that can be easily tested for any desired changes and modifications in infrastructure, control system, or in train operations in order to improve the network operation and its productivity. RailSys3.0 is a German railway simulation program that deals with this goal. In this paper, a railway network operation, with different suggested modifications in infrastructure, rolling stocks, and control system, using RailSys3.0, has been studied, optimized, and evaluated. The proposed simulation program (RailSys 3.0) was applied on ABO-KIR railway line in Alexandria city, as a case study, to assess the impact of changing track configuration, operating and control systems on the performance measures, time-table, track capacity and productivity. Simulation input, such as track element, train and operation components of the ABO-KIR railway line, has been entered to the computer program to construct the simulation model. The simulation process has been carried out for the existing operation system to construct a graphical model of the case-study track including line alignment and train movements, as well as to evaluate the existing operation system. To improve the operation system of the railway line, eight different innovative alternatives are generated, analyzed and evaluated. Finally, different track measures to improve the operation system of the ABO-KIR railway line have been introduced.