Improved Genetic Algorithm for Train Platform Rescheduling Under Train Arrival Delays

In this study, the train platform rescheduling problem (TPRP) at a high-speed railway station is analyzed. The adjustments of the train track assignment and train arrival/departure times under train arrival delays are addressed in the TPRP. The problem is formulated as a mixed-integer nonlinear programming model that minimizes the weighted sum of total train delays and rescheduling costs. An improved genetic algorithm (GA) is proposed, and the individual is represented as a platform track assignment and train departure priority, which is a mixed encoding scheme with integers and permutations. The individual is decoded into a feasible schedule comprising the platform track assignment and arrival/departure times of trains using a rule-based method for conflict resolution in the platform tracks and arrival/departure routes. The proposed GA is compared with state-of-the-art evolutionary algorithms. The experimental results confirm the superiority of the GA, which uses the mixed encoding and rule-based decoding, in terms of constraint handling and solution quality.