Quantum-Inspired Intelligent Traffic Route Optimization in Transportation Systems Using Metaheuristic Optimization

Background Modern urban transportation networks face persistent challenges of traffic congestion, inefficient route planning, and high operational costs. Classical optimization techniques struggle with large-scale Vehicle Routing Problems (VRP) because of their NP-hard nature. While quantum computers offer theoretical advantages for combinatorial optimization,current hardware limitations prevent their direct large-scale use. Quantum-inspired metaheuristic algorithms (e.g., Quantum Particle Swarm Optimization - QPSO) embed quantum-mechanical concepts into classical computation, delivering stronger global search, faster convergence, and a better balance between exploration and exploitation. Problem Description Develop a quantum-inspired metaheuristic optimization framework that dynamically generates near-optimal vehicle routes under real-time or simulated traffic conditions.The transportation network will be modelled as a weighted graph. The framework will focus on algorithms such as Quantum Particle Swarm Optimization (QPSO) and will be benchmarked against conventional metaheuristics and exact methods. Objectives 1. Design a quantum-inspired metaheuristic framework capable of solving large-scale VRP and shortest-path problems. 2. Minimize total travel time, distance, and traffic congestion. 3. Reduce computational complexity while improving convergence speed and solution quality compared with classical algorithms. 4. Demonstrate scalability for smart-city logistics and intelligent transportation systems. Expected Solution A complete software platform that implements a Quantum-Inspired Metaheuristic Optimization Algorithm for intelligent traffic routing. The platform must include graph-based network modelling, mathematical formulation of the optimization problem,constraint handling, convergence analysis, and systematic performance benchmarking. Add 'Delivery Table (Expected Deliverables)' here