Development Of Railway Infrastructure Research Articles

Reforming Public-Private Partnerships in Railway Services: Learning from the Jakarta Monorail Project Debacle

Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) offer a promising strategy for accelerating railway infrastructure development, yet they entail significant risks if not executed correctly. Indonesia has adopted PPPs since the 1990s, but their impact on railway services remains underexplored. This paper suggests improvements to Indonesia’s railway PPP mechanism to improve effectiveness, efficiency, and service deliverability. It argues that the effectiveness of railway PPPs is hindered by the public sector’s limited capacity and weak regulatory and institutional frameworks. The research employs a case study of the Jakarta Monorail project, terminated in 2015 after 11 years of problematic development. The research methods include literature reviews and a comparative analysis of the case with two prominent railway PPPs in other developing countries: the Bangkok Transit System in Thailand and the Delhi Mass Rapid Transit System Phase I in India. The findings lead to two key recommendations for the government: reorganizing the roles and coordination processes of key PPP agencies and establishing a continuous capacity-building scheme for PPP stakeholders. These recommendations may create a more supportive environment for PPPs, thereby increasing the likelihood of successful railway PPP implementation in Indonesia.

Studi kasus Dampak Pembangunan Infrastruktur terhadap Kehidupan Masyarakat Melalui Kacamata Sosiologi: Tanda Tanya Pembangunan Infrastruktur Jalur Kereta Api trans-Sulawesi

This study aims to explore the impact of the trans-Sulawesi railway infrastructure development intervention on people's lives. With a qualitative case study approach, this research will focus on three aspects: economic, social, and environmental, to understand the dynamics of change and community response. In the economic aspect, changes in livelihood, income, and employment opportunities will be examined. Socially, the influence of infrastructure on interaction, cohesion, culture, and local wisdom will be explored. The environment will highlight issues of spatial planning, land use, habitat destruction, and biodiversity threats. The findings are expected to provide a comprehensive understanding of community dynamics in responding to interventions, as well as input for policymakers to design interventions that are more responsive to community needs and aspirations.

Trends and policy analysis: A case for sustainable transport systems in India

In this article, we analyse India's transport sector policy. The study examines the two important modes of transport, viz., road and rail, and analyses the efficiency of transport infrastructure from 2011 to 2019. Through Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), we evaluate modes in terms of the capacity of registered road goods vehicles and railway goods wagons, truck km/train km and energy consumption and corresponding freight traffic. The analysis gives valuable insight into the fact that rail infrastructure is more efficient than road infrastructure. Still, current transport sector policies promote energy-intensive carbon-fuel road vehicles rather than energy-efficient alternative transport modes. The study suggests the changes that may be incorporated in inputs to improve the efficiency of the road infrastructure. The Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA)-Malmquist Index analysis reports the need for total factor productivity improvement in rail transport and the introduction of technological innovations in road and rail transport sector management. The study employs a well-to-wheel (WTW) based index to ascertain the energy consumed and pollutants emitted by freight-carrying road and rail modes between two leading business hubs of India, i.e., Ludhiana and Mumbai. The paper identifies policy gaps and suggests a holistic approach for need-based roadway investment and a time-bound development of railway infrastructure in India. Our study generates valuable implications for India's policy planners and government authorities and provides new insights to other countries.

Analysis of climate risks impact on railway infrastructure and adaptation measures system development

Analysis of the impact of climate risks on railway infrastructure and development of a system of measures to adapt transport infrastructure to climate change. The object of the study is Russian transport infrastructure, analyzed using the method of identifying the peculiarities of the functioning of the transport infrastructure, taking into account regional specifics. An analysis of climate risk factors, the effects of climate risk factors, as well as the impact on railway infrastructure was carried out with the aim of integrated management of natural hazards and the development of adaptation measures to climate change. It is shown that improving measures and strategies for adapting railway transport to a changing climate may include the following systems: a system for preventing accidents and incidents; monitoring system for environmental parameters and infrastructure facilities; measures to protect railway transport facilities; introducing changes to production standards; relocation of infrastructure facilities when it is impossible to operate them in a given territory.

Improving the technological process of dismantling rail and sleeper grids through the use of a removable catcher

The maintenance and development of railway infrastructure requires a significant amount of repair and construction work. The most labour-intensive and time-consuming type of repair is a major track repair. The development strategy of the track complex sets tasks for planning and organizing track repair work, taking into account the fulfilment of the requirements for highly efficient use of track machines, ensuring their production at the level of passport characteristics. The article discusses the problem of dismantling a rail and sleeper grid using a laying crane, namely the process of lowering the first link of the package onto the crane platform. In a curved section of track, the problem arises that the inverted rail does not reach the platform rollers. Equipping the platforms with additional removable catchers will eliminate the process of rocking the inverted link by track fitters.

Problems of and prospects for the development of railway infrastructure in Kazakhstan

The rail transport remains and will in the foreseeable future remain the main mode of transport in Kazakhstan. Its importance is enhanced by the growing transit rail traffic between China and the European Union as well as between the Central Asian countries and Russia, by the fact that Kazakhstan is a landlocked country and by an active development of the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative. This is why it is so important to consider the problems of and prospects for the development of railway infrastructure in the country. The study is based on the relevant literature review and interviews with representatives of major market players and academia. The interviewees identified and discussed the major problems, recommended their solutions, and suggested ways forward. It is proposed to organize a thorough discussion of these solutions and to implement the approved ones. In general, the topic of this article is of serious importance for the country because the full utilization of its transport and transit potential will support the overall national development.

Eastern polygon of Russian railways for Russian coal export: development prospects and limitations

Relevance. Transportation of Russian coal by rail is an important link in coal supply for export. It is essential for the country economy and of high social significance for coal mining regions. Aim. To assess the state of the railway infrastructure for coal transportation, identify limitations and opportunities for improving coal transportation. Objects. Volumes and technologies of coal transportation by foreign and Russian exporters; state of the railway infrastructure of the eastern range of Russia; measures taken by coal mining companies to overcome restrictions on coal transportation; potential volumes of coal transportation for export and risks associated with reduction in coal exports. Methods. Methods of system analysis: classification, structuring and restructuring, analysis, formalization and concretization. Results. The paper considers the current state of coal transportation by rail in Russia with allocation of coal-mining eastern regions of Russia and Western Siberia. The importance of Russian railways in coal transportation is presented. The authors have outlined the problems of the railway infrastructure of the Eastern range of Russian railways due to its insufficient capacity. The changed geopolitical conditions created additional difficulties in transporting coal for export by rail. The paper introduces the state and prospects for modernization of the Eastern range of the Russian Railways. The authors gave an overview of activities of coal mining companies to overcome restrictions on coal transportation by rail. A brief review of the world experience in coal transportation state in the main coal exporting countries is made. The demanded volumes of coal transportation for export by rail was assessed. The paper considers the risks associated with the reduction of coal exports. The authors noted the need to harmonize programs for development of railway infrastructure, the coal industry and other industries that ensure coal extraction, transportation and consumption, reduce import dependence and the need to develop coal transportation technologies.

INDUSTRIAL TRANSFORMATIONS ON THE SVERDLOVSK RAILWAY DURING THE GREAT PATRIOTIC WAR

The paper analyzes changes in the production process of railway workers who worked during the Great Patriotic War on the Sverdlovsk Railway, which was operated from Sverdlovsk and connected the European part of the country with the Urals and Western Siberia. The paper shows an unprecedented rise in the labor activity of railway workers, manifested in the wide deployment of various competitive forms, rationalization movements and innovative initiatives that took shape both in the pre-war period and arose taking into account the peculiarities of wartime. The paper also draws attention to the development of railway infrastructure and improvement of the locomotive and wagon fleet of the Sverdlovsk Railway in accordance with the changing situation at the front and in the rear. The paper notes that the implemented technical and construction measures, manifested in the commissioning of new railway lines, stations, depots, stopping points and way posts, and transfer of individual sections to electric traction, successfully solved problem of increasing transportation plans determined by the needs of national economy completely transferred to military rails. The paper concludes that the experience of selfless and heroic labor of railway transport workers, which is an important component of the nationwide victory over Nazism, is more relevant today than ever. For its effective use in today’s conditions can and should contribute to the unity of modern Russian society in the fight against the revived «brown plague».

Ecological Consequences of Railway Infrastructure Development: A Case Study of the Belgrade-Novi Sad Corridor

This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of environmental susceptibility associated with the development of the Belgrade-Novi Sad Railway Route in Serbia. Fostering socio-economic growth through transportation infrastructure necessitates an acute awareness of potential ecological implications, a nexus often overlooked in the haste of progress. Accordingly, a broad spectrum of environmental parameters such as land use, air and noise pollution, water resources, and biodiversity were systematically assessed. The employment of Habitat Equivalency Analysis facilitated the discernment of potential environmental detriments linked with the railway project. Significant findings from this investigation offer critical insights for policymakers, urban planners, and environmental conservationists, thus enriching the understanding of ecological consequences attached to the expansion of the specified railway corridor. These findings, serving as a tool for informed decision-making, are pivotal in striving towards a balanced approach between the exigencies of transportation infrastructure enhancement and the indispensable goal of environmental preservation. Ultimately, the goal of this study is to promote an enhanced understanding of the reciprocal relationship between infrastructure development and environmental impact, thereby contributing to the ongoing discourse on sustainable practices beneficial for current and future generations.

The impact of involuntary resettlement on households’ livelihood: A case study of railway infrastructure induced resettlement in South Wello zone of Amhara Region, Ethiopia

The research paper investigates the impact of involuntary displacement on households' livelihoods due to railway infrastructure development projects in Ethiopia. The number of people being displaced due to land acquisition, including railway transportation, has been increasing, and the constitutional provision for compensation and resettlement is often inadequate to alleviate the negative effects of displacement. The study employs a quasi-experimental design with propensity score matching (PSM) to examine the impact of railway infrastructure on households' livelihoods in the South Wello Zone, Ethiopia. The study uses household surveys, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. The results reveal that involuntary displacement due to a railway project significantly and negatively affects displaced households' livelihoods, including a decrease in income, financial instability, loss of natural resources, and social disintegration due to insufficient compensation payments. The study recommends implementing comprehensive and sustainable compensation and resettlement programs, constructing nearby resettlement environments, involving affected households in decision-making, and mitigating environmental impacts. Local governments should provide alternative packages and fair compensation, and feasibility studies should prioritize households' livelihoods, consider environmental and social impacts, and view involuntary displacement as a last resort.

CPEC: Challenges, Opportunities and Socio-Economic Impact on The Muslim World

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a flagship project within China's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). It stands as a corridor encompassing road, railway and maritime infrastructure development, primarily aimed at fostering economic growth. This vast network extends its reach across the Asian continent, with Pakistan at its center, while also involving other Muslim-majority nations, including Iran, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and several Central Asian States. The key promise of CPEC lies in its potential to revitalize the economies of developing countries at large and Muslim-majority nations in particular. The allure of CPEC for participating nations is evident, especially for those facing financial constraints and a dire need for infrastructure development, as it presents a lifeline for economic progress. However, beneath the surface of economic opportunity, there loom socio-economic challenges that warrant careful consideration. These challenges have the potential to impact the relationships between Muslim-majority countries and the Western world, with a specific focus on the Middle Eastern countries. It is within this complex and dynamic context that this research article seeks to provide a comprehensive analysis. The article intends to shed light on two fundamental aspects: firstly, it aims to gauge the willingness of Muslim-majority countries to become integral parts of the CPEC project, evaluating the extent to which they embrace this economic endeavor. Secondly, the research delves into China's role in the region by examining how its economic support and infrastructural development initiatives influence Muslim-majority states. This examination is critical for understanding the opportunities and challenges that the CPEC project presents to the Muslim world and its relationships with the West, especially Middle Eastern nations.

Методологические аспекты организации грузоперевозок железнодорожным транспортом в проектах развития Восточного полигона с учетом рисков инфраструктурных ограничений

Purpose: To develop a methodology for the organization of freight transportation in the project of comprehensive modernization of the Baikal-Amur Mainline (BAM) and Trans-Siberian Railway (Transsib) (Eastern polygon). Methods: The study is based on operational data of freight traffic on the railway infrastructure of the Eastern polygon of JSC "Russian Railways", their systematization and analysis. The method of in-depth analysis of structured data on the dependence of the performance indicators of the projected railway infrastructure and the passage of projected freight volumes, taking into account empty wagons, is used. Results: The methodology of regulation of the organization of freight rail transportation has been updated. The key problems, risks and restrictions of freight transportation in the Eastern polygon development project are classified. The results of statistical processing and data mining are presented, specifying the parameters of the forecast model for the growth of freight volumes and the increase in the capacity of the Eastern polygon. An algorithm has been developed for analyzing freight rail transportation in the projects of the development of the Eastern polygon, taking into account the risks of infrastructure restrictions. Practical significance: An assessment of the degree to which risks of infrastructure restrictions impact the effectiveness of the organizing freight traffic in the railway infrastructure development project is given.

Selected Sources of Research Funding in Railway Transport

In Horizon 2020, funding for research and innovation in the railway area was entirely channeled through the Shift2Rail Joint Undertaking (Shift2Rail). Shift2Rail was founded in 2014 as a Public-Private Partnership between the European Union (EU) and the rail industry and aimed to coordinate and manage EU research and investment in the rail sector. From the current financial perspective - Horizon Europe - the successor to Shift2Rail, is Europe's Rail Joint Undertaking (EU-Rail). The new rail partnership aims to enable the European rail network to play a vital role in the Green Deal policy for environmentally friendly and energy-efficient mobility. In 2017, the National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR) and PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe (PLK S.A.) established a Joint Undertaking, Research and Development of Railway Infrastructure, with the acronym BRIK. The program supports research and development (R&D) work in railway infrastructure and aims at increasing the Polish railway potential. The article provides a critical-cognitive analysis of selected joint R&D projects in the railway sector at both European and national levels. The activity of the Railway Research Institute (IK) in international and national projects is also presented. The article attempts to answer the research question: Are European and national programs supporting research in the railway area an appropriate and sufficient funding source? The research methods used included source material analysis, comparative approach, data analysis of the EU, Railway Research Institute, National Centre for Development Research (NCBR), and case study.

Evaluation of Railway Transportation Performance Based on CRITIC-Relative Entropy Method in China

Railway transportation affects the overall transportation process and integrated sustainable development. Evaluation of the railway transportation performance is of great significance for building an efficient and comprehensive railway transportation system. The research establishes a methodology to evaluate railway transportation performance in China. Firstly, the research determines the indexes for evaluation of railway transportation performance, including railway safety, infrastructure, equipment, operation efficiency, and green development. Second, the weight of each index is calculated by using criteria importance through the intercriteria correlation method (CRITIC). Third, the railway transportation performance is assessed based on multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM), by applying the CRITIC-relative entropy method. Finally, the empirical analysis shows that, in 2018, the railway transportation performance is underdeveloped in almost half of China’s railway bureaus and that there are obvious differences between railway bureaus in the east and west. The evaluation of railway transportation performance could be used to improve the sustainable ability of railway transportation in China.

РАЗВИТИЕ ЖЕЛЕЗНОДОРОЖНОЙ ИНФРАСТРУКТУРЫ В СОВРЕМЕННЫХ ЭКОНОМИЧЕСКИХ УСЛОВИЯХ

The railway infrastructure is the foundation that supports the transport system. Currently, new technologies are being introduced for the development of railway infrastructure. The railway system stimulates social and economic development. Due to rapid globalization, there is an increase in demand for transportation, therefore, this is the main factor in the development of the railway infrastructure market. This article examines the importance of sustainable development of railway infrastructure and how it can benefit both the environment and the economy.

THE RECONSTRUCTION OF UKRAINE'S TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE FIELD OF LOGISTICS AND TRANSPORT TECHNOLOGIES

This article explores the importance of restructuring Ukraine's transportation infrastructure for the development of logistics and transportation technologies. The development and improvement of infrastructure are critical to ensuring efficiency and competitiveness of the country. The article examines key components of the transportation infrastructure restructuring, including the development of railway, maritime, river, and aviation infrastructure, the implementation of information technologies, and the development of roads and logistics centers. It highlights how these measures contribute to improving transportation efficiency, regional connectivity, and cost reduction. It emphasizes that successful restructuring of the transportation infrastructure requires collaboration among various stakeholders, such as the government, private sector, academic community, and society. It is important to consider the social aspect and meet the needs of society, ensuring environmental sustainability and the preservation of natural resources. In conclusion, the article underscores that the success of Ukraine's transportation infrastructure restructuring is a crucial strategic priority for the country's development. This opens up opportunities for transportation improvement.

DELINEATING REGIONAL DIFFERENTIATION ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE RAILWAY INFRASTRUCTURE IN NORTHEAST INDIA THROUGH AN EFFICIENT SYNTHETIC INDICATOR

The northeastern region of India presents intra-regional disparity, which is reflected in every aspect of development. The transport sector, especially railway transportation, is one of the important aspects, and the development of railway infrastructure seems to be very different in every region. The research question addressed in this study was “Which factors, geo-physical or socio-economic, influenced the variation in the level of railway development in Northeast India?” The aim of the study was to delineate regional differentiation on railway development in Northeast India and to analyse the reasons for different development patterns of railway lines among the northeastern states. The research was based on secondary data collected from multiple sources, and the existing synthetic indicator was applied for the classification of eight states based on their railway infrastructural status. An alternative approach called the alternative synthetic indicator has been proposed and found to be more efficient than the existing synthetic indicator. The degree of inequality among the northeastern states by considering railway infrastructural variables was measured by plotting a Lorenz curve; the corresponding Gini coefficient specifies the unequal distribution of railway infrastructure among all the northeastern states. The causality of such unequal development has been analysed through a correlation test by defining the composite dimension index. The analysis revealed that all the externalities of regional inequality significantly influence the development of railway lines in northeastern states. Environmental determinism plays a crucial role in railway development in Northeast India, but political willingness is also crucial for creating an actual state of differentiation and will play a special role in the future.

СУЧАСНИЙ СТАН, ПЕРСПЕКТИВИ РОЗВИТКУ ТА ФІНАНСУВАННЯ ЗАЛІЗНИЧНОГО ТРАНСПОРТУ

In the conditions of social upheavals, natural disasters, man-made catastrophes, military actions, railway transport is the most effective helper of the economy, to meet social needs, due to its reliability. The need for investment in the railway industry is obvious. In 2021, for the first time, the state budget of Ukraine provided financial resources for rail transport, this money was planned to be used for the purchase of new passenger cars and the development of railway infrastructure for passenger transport. In the European Union, rail passenger transport is subsidized by the state, and the development of railway infrastructure is financed. In 2020, a new European Transport Development Strategy was adopted, which, opening new opportunities for domestic railways based on the existing European advantages of rail transport, also takes into account the high environmental friendliness of rail transport. By 2030, it was planned to double the volume of passenger rail traffic in all EU countries compared to 2019. And with the prospect of 2050, this figure was projected to increase threefold. Effective financing of railways could result in their ability to become the main mode of transport, as is the case in Europe today. Within the "contours of the new post-transition system" in the post-war reconstruction of infrastructure, including transport, is the search for and attraction of resources, the main sources may be long-term loans, to a lesser extent grants from Western countries, and financial assistance from international organizations, including UN.According to various estimates, Ukraine's GDP in 2022 will shrink by 35–50%, which could lead to the closure of production.Therefore, there is an understanding that in the coming years our economy will be subsidized, where for a certain period of time, the main investor will be the state.And the duration of the exit from the crisis will depend on what priorities will be determined. Since 2007, the European Union has switched to a single instrument of financial assistance – IPA (Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance), aimed at supporting reforms by providing financial and technical assistance. This tool can be used by both EU accession candidates and some candidates. The Rebuild Ukraine project is aimed at rebuilding Ukraine after the end of the war, as well as supporting the economy, effective state management, and integration into the European Union. Ukraine's obtaining the status of a candidate for joining the European Union opens up access to EU financial instruments and can become the basis for investments in our country.

ИНВЕСТИЦИИ В ТРАНСПОРТНУЮ ИНФРАСТРУКТУРУ КАК КЛЮЧЕВОЙ ФАКТОР ДОЛГОСРОЧНОГО ЭКОНОМИЧЕСКОГО РОСТА РЕСПУБЛИКИ КРЫМ

The article shows the importance of transport infrastructure as a key factor in long-term economic growth in the region. The analysis of investment in the transport infrastructure of the Republic of Crimea is presented and the main directions of investment of financial resources are determined. The general features of significant conditions in the formation and maintenance of infrastructure facilities are highlighted. One of the basic industries of the Republic of Crimea, transport infrastructure, has been investigated, in the context of which the state and prospects for the development of automobile, sea, air, and railway infrastructure have been assessed. The automotive transport sector is analyzed in more depth as the most significant for the Republic of Crimea. For the further progressive development of the region, tools are outlined that can be used for the development of transport infrastructure, ensuring the long-term economic growth of the region

Research of cargo seaports development in the Russian federation in the context of port basins

Seaports play a key role in the development of cargo turnover and international trade. About 60% of the Russian Federation foreign trade cargoes are handled in seaports. Improving the quality of seaports, which serve the increasing capacity of global freight traffic, is an important task for those countries, involved in the transportation of goods by sea. The article presents analyses of the development of stevedoring industry in Russia in the context of port basins. The statistical base covers a 16-year period. The research methods are statistical analysis and econometric modeling. The result of the study is an economic and geographical model of cargo transshipment in the Russian Federation, distributed over the sea basins. The model is built taking into account the geographical localization of certain types of cargoes, caused by the location of production facilities and peculiarities of logistics routes linking shippers and consignees. The model reflects the relationship between the development of the stevedoring industry and the regional economy. Based on the constructed model, conclusions about the presence of development prospects and constraints typical for each analyzed port were made. Among the limiting factors for the development of the stevedoring industry in Russia, the lack of rapid development of railway infrastructure and insufficient depth of channels in the waters of seaports are highlighted. Tools to overcome these problems have been proposed.