Abstract
The aim of this study is to analyse the potential of geographical information system (GIS) in decision making in rail route planning process. The various parameters affecting the alignment of rail route are considered in this study and a feasibility map is prepared considering the cumulative effect of these factors. The factors considered in this study are road network, slope, topographical characteristics and drainage characteristics of study area. Each parameter is given weights according to analytic hierarchy process (AHP) in GIS environment. The layers of parameters affecting the feasibility of route are overlaid in GIS environment to find a feasibility map. Feasibility map is divided into five categories i.e. very low, low, moderate, high and extremely feasible on the basis of feasibility index.
Highlights
Route planning is a very difficult task in hilly regions
The final result of the study is a feasibility map which shows the feasibility of rail route with different colours
It is found that the study area in the beginning of state highway 32 (SH-32) is extremely feasible for the construction of railway line
Summary
The uncertainty of various factors which affect the route alignment makes this process more complicated. Alignment of a route is to be decided by balancing the economical and engineering considerations. Conventional processes of route planning are very difficult and the results are not much accurate. Transportation and highway engineering is one field which has been affected by developments in GIS aspects, as spatial variables including environment, topography, built-up areas, land use/land cover, can be modeled. The first concept of GIS application in rail track planning developed from location map through digitizing, geo-referencing and entering considered data. It is easy to model the various factors affecting the route alignment in GIS environment [1]. Social, economic and environmental factors can be considered in route planning of highways [2]. Route selection is a critical first step in the process of design and construction and has a potentially significant impact to the construction and environment of the area
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