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Investigation of topological characteristics of Iranian railway network: A network science approach

Authors :

Sina Firuzbakht¹ Mohammad Khansari²

1- University of Tehran 2- University of Tehran

Keywords :

network analysis, railway network, complex network, network science, small world phenomenon, vulnerability

Abstract :

In this paper, we study the Iranian railway network as a complex network so that train stations form network nodes and a direct route between two stations of network edges. With the help of investigating the topological characteristics of the network, such as betweenness centrality, we found vulnerable stations and routes. Then, by finding the degree distribution, diameter, and average path length of the railway network, we have examined the existence or non-existence of the small world phenomenon in the network After realizing that there is no small world phenomenon in Iran's railway network, we concluded that the gradual development of Iran's railway network not based on economic optimization and economic or political or regional factors played a more important role in its development.