Optimization of locomotive allocation in railway transport flows using mixedinteger linear programming

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58922/transportes.v33.e3073

Keywords:

Railway operations planning, Railways, Locomotives, Overall effectiveness, Energy efficiency, Mixedinteger linear programming.

Abstract

Traditional methods for planning the sizing and allocation of railway locomotives are, at best, based on heuristics that lack reproducibility and standardization, often resulting in inefficient use of company resources. This study aims to develop a decision support system for locomotive operation planning using mixedinteger linear programming, incorporating the metrics of Overall Rolling Stock Effectiveness (ORSE) and Energy Efficiency (EE). Applied to MRS Logística S/A, the research relied on 24 months of historical and operational data (Jan/2017–Dec/2018), performance indicator analysis, and the development of a mathematical model implemented in LINGO® for planning operations in 2020. The results demonstrated improvements in fleet utilization, availability, and energy efficiency, as well as a reduction in the number of locomotives required to meet transport demand. The model reduced fuel consumption by 0.6% and increased overall asset effectiveness by up to 1.8% compared to heuristics, while also ensuring greater reliability, flexibility, and efficiency in the operational planning process itself.

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Published

2026-01-31

How to Cite

Domiciano, L. C., Sato, R. C. and Rangel, L. A. D. (2026) “Optimization of locomotive allocation in railway transport flows using mixedinteger linear programming”, Transportes, 33, p. e3073. doi: 10.58922/transportes.v33.e3073.

Issue

Vol. 33 (2025)

Section

Decision Analysis in Transportation 2025

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Luiz Carlos Domiciano, Renato Cesar Sato, Luís Alberto Duncan Rangel

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Last update: 11/27/2025