Research on the Development Strategy of Railway Cold-Chain Logistics

Abstract

This research explores the development strategy of Railway Cold-Chain Logistics (RCCL) by identifying key resistance factors and proposing strategies to optimize its efficiency. The study aims to analyze the challenges impacting the effectiveness of RCCL, including infrastructure limitations, environmental conditions, geographic barriers, and market demand fluctuations. A multi-method approach was employed, combining secondary data from government publications, industry reports, publicly available datasets, and academic literature. The study uses the CRITIC (Criteria Importance Through Intercriteria Correlation) method to assign weights to the identified resistance factors, followed by Minimum Cumulative Resistance (MCR) modeling for network optimization. The Gravity Model further assesses the interaction strength between key regions within the logistics network. Findings reveal that infrastructure elements such as refrigerated railcars and cold storage capacity, along with environmental conditions, significantly impact RCCL performance. Routes with higher resistance were identified, and prioritization strategies for investment in infrastructure and adaptive solutions for climate variability were proposed. The study concludes that optimizing RCCL requires a combination of targeted resource allocation, strategic infrastructure development, and demand-driven planning to enhance efficiency, reduce spoilage, and improve market access. This research offers valuable insights for stakeholders in the railway and logistics sectors, contributing to the sustainable growth of cold-chain logistics systems.