An Optimization Framework for Scaled-Up High-Speed Railway Dedicated Express Train Operation Plan

Abstract

High-speed railway (HSR) has significant potential for express freight transportation, particularly for postal and parcel delivery, owing to its speed, reliability, and environmental benefits. However, existing approaches, primarily relying on mixed passenger–freight trains, are limited in addressing large-scale express demands. This paper proposes a novel optimization framework for integrating postal and parcel delivery into HSR systems, combining passenger services with dedicated express operations. The framework includes: (1) a express distribution model to maximize the utilization of existing mixed trains; (2) a dedicated express trains candidate set generation model for dedicated express trains, minimizing operational and environmental costs through optimized routes and stop plans, and the column generation algorithm is used to decompose and solve to obtain the dedicated express train candidate set; (3) an express distribution model to achieve precise matching between dedicated express trains and express shipments. A case study on the Beijing–Guangzhou HSR corridor demonstrates the method’s effectiveness, achieving precise distribution of express, reducing operational costs, and improving train load efficiency. This study provides actionable insights for scaling up postal and parcel delivery using HSR, addressing the gap in the integration of freight and passenger services within sustainable railway logistics.