EMU Circulation Rescheduling Considering Standby EMU Activation and Deadhead Repositioning under Long-Duration Disruptions

Abstract Long-duration disruptions on high-speed railways can substantially disturb train operations. Standby EMUs, defined as trainsets kept available at EMU depots for short-notice emergency deployment, and deadhead repositioning are important recovery resources. Considering train-formation compatibility, connection time requirements, operating mileage, and deadhead-line feasibility, this study constructs an EMU connection network and develops an EMU circulation rescheduling model. The model minimizes train cancellations, EMU connection deviation, total EMU operating mileage, and total EMU operating time. A case study based on Wuhan EMU Depot considers eight section-blockage scenarios. All scenarios are solved within 40 s, indicating that the method satisfies the timeliness requirements of emergency dispatching. The model automatically inserts feasible deadhead lines into the adjusted timetable and coordinates standby EMU activation with return repositioning. Coordinating standby EMU activation with deadhead repositioning reduces train cancellations in three of the four paired scenarios with standby EMU deployment, with reductions of up to two trains. The proposed method provides practical decision support for EMU circulation rescheduling during long-duration disruptions.