Improving Intermodal Train Operations in Indian Railways

2020 ◽  
Vol 50 (4) ◽  
pp. 213-224
Author(s):  
Amit Upadhyay
Keyword(s):  
Mathematical Programming ◽  
Average Cost ◽  
Rolling Stock ◽  
Operations Strategy ◽  
Annual Saving ◽  
Load Planning ◽  
Timely Delivery

In Indian Railways, container train operators (CTOs) run intermodal trains. The success of a CTO depends on it providing timely delivery of containers at low haulage cost. The CTO must utilize its rolling stock efficiently, select containers, and assign these containers to wagons optimally considering multiple conflicting requirements. I discuss a mathematical programming–based approach we developed for a major CTO for train-load planning, which reduces the average cost of container haulage and increases the timeliness desired by customers. After being used to plan more than 1,000 trains, my model has been estimated to save about 2% in rail haulage cost, which corresponds to an annual saving of more than 300 million Indian rupees for Indian Railways trains. This study has led to a remarkable turnaround in the operations strategy of the operator, with a shift in emphasis from increasing train utilization to maximizing the contribution to profit.

Exploration-Stage Implementation Variation

2014 ◽  
Vol 222 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Romney ◽  
Nathaniel Israel ◽  
Danijela Zlatevski
Keyword(s):  
Parent Training ◽  
Average Cost ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Training Group ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Triple P ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Parent Training Program ◽  
A Site ◽  
The Cost

The present study examines the effect of agency-level implementation variation on the cost-effectiveness of an evidence-based parent training program (Positive Parenting Program: “Triple P”). Staff from six community-based agencies participated in a five-day training to prepare them to deliver a 12-week Triple P parent training group to caregivers. Prior to the training, administrators and staff from four of the agencies completed a site readiness process intended to prepare them for the implementation demands of successfully delivering the group, while the other two agencies did not complete the process. Following the delivery of each agency’s first Triple P group, the graduation rate and average cost per class graduate were calculated. The average cost-per-graduate was over seven times higher for the two agencies that had not completed the readiness process than for the four completing agencies ($7,811 vs. $1,052). The contrast in costs was due to high participant attrition in the Triple P groups delivered by the two agencies that did not complete the readiness process. The odds of Triple P participants graduating were 12.2 times greater for those in groups run by sites that had completed the readiness process. This differential attrition was not accounted for by between-group differences in participant characteristics at pretest. While the natural design of this study limits the ability to empirically test all alternative explanations, these findings indicate a striking cost savings for sites completing the readiness process and support the thoughtful application of readiness procedures in the early stages of an implementation initiative.

Analysis and Design of 3.3 kV IGBT Based Three-Level DC/DC Converter with High-Frequency Isolation and Current Doubler Rectifier

2009 ◽  
Vol 25 (25) ◽  
pp. 103-108
Author(s):  
Dmitri Vinnikov ◽  
Tanel Jalakas ◽  
Indrek Roasto
Keyword(s):  
High Voltage ◽  
High Frequency ◽  
Power Converter ◽  
Rolling Stock ◽  
Analysis And Design ◽  
Auxiliary Power ◽  
Igbt Modules ◽  
Isolation Transformer ◽  
New Generation ◽  
Generation Power

Analysis and Design of 3.3 kV IGBT Based Three-Level DC/DC Converter with High-Frequency Isolation and Current Doubler RectifierThe paper presents the findings of a R&D project connected to the development of auxiliary power supply (APS) for the high-voltage DC-fed rolling stock applications. The aim was to design a new-generation power converter utilizing high-voltage IGBT modules, which can outpace the predecessors in terms of power density, i.e. to provide more power for smaller volumetric space. The topology proposed is 3.3 kV IGBT-based three-level neutral point clamped (NPC) half-bridge with high-frequency isolation transformer and current doubler rectifier that fulfils all the targets imposed by the designers. Despite an increased component count the proposed converter is very simple in design and operation. The paper provides an overview of the design with several recommendations and guidelines. Moreover, the simulation and experimental results are discussed and the performance evaluation of the proposed converter is presented.

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