Model and algorithm for track allocation at large-scale railway passenger stations

Abstract

Track allocation at large-scale railway passenger stations means to allocate conflict-free routes and platforms to trains within the space-time constraints specified in train diaqrams and site plans of the stations.A constraints-based approach is taken to track allocation.First,the constraints are divided into hard and soft ones which reflect the safety requirements of station operation and preferences for selection of tacks and routes;then the solution process is carried out in three steps: constraints detecting,value ordering and backtracking.Case study of large-scale passenger station shows that track allocation solutions can be obtained by using the proposed methed.The method provides technical support for check of train diagram feasibility and formulation of station operation schedules.