Issues of transit freight train traffic handling in conditions of freight traffic volumes increase

Abstract

Introduction. The aim of the paper is to substantiate a set of measures to improve the efficiency of transit train handling in conditions of freight traffic increase. Currently, it is relevant to increase the traffic capacity to achieve the calculated effective mode of operation of the railway, which is provided when the available capacity is equal or greater than the required capacity.

Materials and methods. The paper considers options for organising freight trains movement in the entire range of ratios between required and available capacity. At the same time, it is possible to move a significant number of trains according to mixed indications of traffic lights signals — green, yellow, red, and at lower speeds.

Results. Obtained analytical ratio shows a decrease in the average speed of freight trains, depending on the permissible train speeds at yellow and green traffic lights, and the distance between the following trains. According to the basic ratio for the average speed, the distance between trains from two to three block sections, fundamental dependence of the average speed of freight trains on the yellow-green traffic light signals on the number of trains is obtained using the example of a 180 km long section, 3 km long block sections, and the accepted speeds for green and yellow at 80 km/h and 40 km/h. Analytical dependences of the section speed on the length of the section, on the average speed of freight trains and on the magnitude of delays in each movement are obtained.

Discussion and conclusion. The calculations show a significant effect of reducing the distances between trains and increasing the amount of delays on the reduction service speeds and explains the decrease in section speeds observed in practice on heavy-traffic routes down to 32–35 km/h.