Strategic asset management of a heterogeneous locomotive fleet

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.