A Model for Assessing Rail Freight Performance Using Global Empirical Analysis to Guide Railway Development

The development of the railway system has emerged as an imperative in strengthening the freight transportation system, particularly considering the inherent restrictions of road transport. Road congestion, limited carrying capacity, cost inefficiencies, speed constraints, and numerous socio-environmental concerns are common limitations. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of railway development initiatives varies across nations owing to distinct macro-scale influences. Accordingly, developing rail freight requires a systematic evaluation of both its constraining elements and strategic imperatives, tailored to a country’s specific context and competencies in rail freight operations. In response to this necessity, a comprehensive model assessing rail freight performance has been formulated in this research by employing a unique methodology targeting the underlying causal factors. The model consists of an initial phase of problem analysis, identification of rail freight performance drivers, followed by a study of rail freight performance in 64 countries and a subsequent non-linear multiple regression analysis. Key findings from the model emphasize the importance of evaluating controllable and uncontrollable variables, strategic considerations, and factors leading towards degradation of rail freight performance in formulating strategies to enhance rail freight system in a country.