Optimal operation scheduling and platform track assignment in a passenger railway station

This paper deals with selected problems encountered in the real-time operation of a passenger railway station. Delays to incoming trains can negate a valid timetable and track assignment plan. In such situations the dispatcher has to flexibly solve problems related to potential train routing conflicts. This paper models the dispatcher's decision-making process using a mathematical programming approach. Inputs to the mathematical programming model reflect potential delays to incoming trains. Outputs from the model concentrate mainly on solving the following problems: first, which platform track is assigned to an arriving train, and second, how long connecting trains are allowed to wait for the delayed incoming train. The objective function applies a multi-criteria approach with two goals: to reduce the influence of the delays on departing trains (i.e. to minimise the deviations from the valid timetable), and, at the same time, to minimise the inconvenience caused to passengers. The proposed model can be used to support the dispatching control of real-time traffic or as a part of a railway station simulation model.