Comparison between algebraic connectivity-based and global efficiency-based vulnerability for railway topology analysis: A case study of Kyushu, Japan

In this study, we analyzed and compared the topology-based vulnerability of several railway networks to plan a preventive strategy using two vulnerability criteria, i.e., global efficiency- and algebraic connectivity-based vulnerabilities. We studied the feasibility of the latter as an alternative method. Furthermore, we compared the results and correlations of these vulnerability criteria with each other and the edge betweenness centrality to analyze the relationships between all three indicators that consider the most critical sections of networks. Our case study was obtained by combining three main railway networks in Kyushu, Japan, which have suspended operations in the past because of several natural disasters. These results proffer solutions in identifying the most important sections among stations from multiple viewpoints to manage protection priorities and conduct routine inspections or repairs.