Railway robustness in critical situations (CHARMEC SP39)

Research Project, 2025

Recently, demands on Sweden to enhance its transportation system to be able to cope with critical situations (e.g., mobilization, accidents, extreme weather) have been raised. To address this issue, the core focus of the proposed project is to investigate how railway operations can be secured under conditions when (short-term) capacity is of the highest importance. To this end, it is examined how capacity has been and may be affected in critical situations. This is contrasted to existing and potential countermeasures that enhance robustness and/or restores capacity. Benefits and drawback of the different options are analysed regarding capacity, time, safety, sustainability, costs etc. In addition to this overview, the project provides opportunities for future research initiatives related to risk, sensitivity, restoration, and enhancement of the robustness of railway and other transport operations under critical conditions. This has to a large extent not been considered in previous research. In addition, this investigation on robustness for short-term capacity will also benefit (research on) long-term enhanced robustness. The project is aimed to influence policy development regarding transport robustness in critical situations.

Such a proactiveness benefits sustainability, economy, and safety in that it provides time to prepare for sustainable and efficient solutions. The project will be carried out in 2025. It will be disseminated in scientific papers and reported (written and orally) after project end. Project results will be referenced in upcoming project proposals, not least in Horizon Europe.