Mixed Traffic on HSR Infrastructure with Integrated Express Container Trains

Purpose: To increase the economic efficiency of high-speed railways (HSR). HSR infrastructure can be used not only for passenger traffic but also for high-speed freight transportation. The potential for using HSR for both passenger and freight traffic has not been sufficiently studied. This paper proposes the integration of highspeed and express passenger trains in the schedule of express container trains. Methods: Development of an integrated schedule of passenger and express container trains with specified speeds and priority parameters for each category of trains on a dedicated HSR with transition points to the general railway network; analysis of technical problems of its implementation. Results: The newly designed train schedule on the test section has illustrated that the passenger traffic capacity of the given high-speed railway line allows integrating several pairs of express container trains. In addition, it is possible to lay appropriate tracks for their non-stop passage. Thus, the fundamental possibility of implementing a mixed traffic model on a high-speed railway with high quality indicators for both passenger and freight traffic has been proven. Simultaneously, the main technical problems that require solutions for implementing the proposed mixed traffic model have been identified including the need to modify traction and non-traction rolling stock as well as improve fastenings for highspeed traffic. Practical significance: The obtained results can be used to develop models for organizing mixed traffic on the designed high-speed railways in order to increase the economic efficiency of their operation by providing high-speed transportation services for high-tariff containerized cargo.