A hybrid genetic algorithm for train sequencing in the Korean railway

Abstract

This article addresses the train-sequencing problem encountered in the Korean railway. It first presents a mixed integer programming model for the problem, in which the mileage must be balanced for each train route, while various I field constraints must be satisfied, including overnight stay capacity and maintenance allocation restrictions. Then, it proposes a hybrid genetic algorithm as a solution approach to the problem. The proposed algorithm utilizes a modified elite group technique along with two heuristic procedures based on the mixed integer programming model. Finally, the proposed solution approach is tested with real-world data from the Korean railway. Numerical experiments under different conditions indicate that the proposed solution approach to the train-sequencing problem is promising. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.