A Fuzzy AHP Approach for Prioritizing Diesel Locomotive Sheds a Case Study in Northern Railways Network

The Indian railway network is one of the largest rail networks that undergo continuous expansion. However, more reliable and safe service in-network is the subject of growing attention in India but to work on these challenges is a cumbersome task as each factor is influencing each other. Studying these vulnerable parameters is a tedious task and will contribute significantly to improving the operations and overall management of the railway network. The purpose of this research study is to identify and optimize different vulnerable factors that are affecting the smooth functioning of the railway network through the identification of hierarchical correlations among parameters and prioritizing performing a specific order for identification and improvement. The major focus is on handling imprecise and vague information with the help of a fuzzy synthesis of information. Based on an extensive review of the literature and expert opinion from the industry, 10 vulnerable parameters were identified and expert elicitation was applied to determine the correlation among factors. Based on these parameters, Diesel locomotive sheds of the northern railways network were prioritized and ranking of these systems was obtained. The research provides reliable information for decision-makers to form active strategies and management policies for a more adequate and reliable system of the network. Also, a more safe and profitable network that will promote sustainable development throughout India. This study can be a guide of the methodology to be implemented to other multiple criteria decision-making problems.