Combined Optimization of Maintenance Works and Crews in Railway Networks

Abstract

This study develops optimal maintenance schedules for train lines, a critical endeavor ensuring the safety, efficiency, and reliability of railway networks. The study addresses the combined scheduling problem of maintenance works and crews on the railway networks. The baseline scheduling model is initially established with the primary objective of allocating maintenance tasks efficiently while adhering to pertinent constraints, encompassing task grouping and cost minimization. Subsequently, this baseline model is enhanced through the integration of crew scheduling, wherein work crews are strategically assigned to execute predefined tasks, thereby facilitating effective workload distribution. The combined maintenance work and crew scheduling problem is mathematically formulated as a binary linear programming model, enabling the attainment of globally optimal solutions. Comparing the outcomes of our enhanced model, which incorporates both maintenance works and crew schedules, with the baseline model that solely addresses maintenance works, we reveal that task grouping in accordance with predefined conditions leads to reduced overall costs by minimizing maintenance duration during various periods. Additionally, the judicious distribution of workload among the crews ensures comprehensive coverage of all essential tasks. These findings underscore the significance of our proposed approach in enhancing the operational efficacy and economic viability of railway maintenance scheduling, thereby offering valuable insights for practical implementation and future research endeavors.