Digitalization as an Enabler in Railway Maintenance: A Review from "The International Union of Railways Asset Management Framework" Perspective

This paper conducts a comprehensive review of the role of digitalization in railway maintenance management, particularly through the lens of the International Union of Railways (UIC) asset management framework. The study aims to assess how digital technologies such as Big Data, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) serve as enablers for more efficient and effective maintenance practices in the railway sector. By employing a bibliometric analysis, we identify the current trends, challenges, and gaps in the literature concerning the integration of digital tools into maintenance management frameworks. The findings reveal that while digitalization offers significant potential for optimizing maintenance operations and enhancing decision-making processes, its successful implementation requires a more integrated approach that aligns with the strategic goals of railway organizations. This paper also discusses future research directions, emphasizing the need for a global framework incorporating technological advancements and organizational change to achieve sustainable and safe railway operations.