In a rapidly changing world, with increasing competition in all sectors of transportation, railways are currently restructuring their planning, management, and technology. As commercial and pricing policies change and new methods of organization are introduced, a more entrepreneurial spirit is required. At the same time, new high-speed tracks are being constructed and old tracks are being renewed, magnetic levitation trains are in operation, hyperloop systems are being planned, high-comfort rolling stock vehicles are being introduced, logistics and combined transport are being developed. Awareness of environmental issues and the search for greater safety attribute a new role to the railways within the transportation system. Meanwhile, methods of analysis have evolved significantly, principally due to computer applications, the internet revolution, satellite technologies, and artificial intelligence, all of which offer new ways of thinking about and addressing old problems.
Railway Planning, Management, and Engineering aims to fulfill the need for a new scientific approach for railways. It is intended to be of use to railway planners, managers, economists, engineers, and students in engineering, transportation, economics, and management. The book is divided into three parts, which deal successively with planning, management, track, rolling stock, safety, and the environment.