Title: Strategic asset management of a heterogeneous locomotive fleet

Authors: Prasanna Illankoon; Asela Kulatunga; Phillip Tretten; Asela Pathirathna

Addresses: Department of Management of Technology, Faculty of Business, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka ' Department of Manufacturing and Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka ' Division of Operation and Maintenance Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, Sweden ' Motive Power Sub Department, Sri Lanka Railways, Dematagoda, Sri Lanka

Abstract: The locomotive fleet of Sri Lanka Railways (SLR) is highly heterogeneous, and their operating conditions vary. Effective asset management of this fleet requires the examination of various phases of the life cycle. This study is set to propose an improved asset management strategy for SLR. Our methodology is based on the reliability-availability-maintainability-safety framework and life-cycle management approach. We analysed maintenance performance, and we also conducted a qualitative content analysis of how performance is perceived by the SLR employees. After a thorough analysis of the heterogeneity of locomotives and their phases in the life cycle, we recommend a mixed asset management strategy that can improve the availability through a maintainability focus, while ensuring safety and reliability. We conclude that predictive maintenance of the new fleet and the remanufacturing of scarce components for the ageing fleet can be the main contributors to an improved asset management strategy for SLR.

Keywords: railway; locomotive; maintenance; assets management; RAMS; life cycle management; LCM.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSEAM.2023.136214

International Journal of Strategic Engineering Asset Management, 2023 Vol.4 No.1, pp.61 - 80

Accepted: 23 Dec 2022
Published online: 22 Jan 2024 *

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