Journal of Earth & Environmental Waste Management
ISSN: 3065-8799 | DOI: 10.64030/3065-8799
Mohammad Taleghani and Mohammadreza Jabreilzadeh Sola
This article presents a comparative study of railway maintenance methods, focusing on Iranian and international case studies. The study examines key aspects such as maintenance strategies, technological adoption, regulatory frameworks, challenges, and innovations to identify gaps and opportunities for improvement in Iran’s railway maintenance practices. The findings reveal that international railways, particularly in countries like Japan, Germany, and the USA, predominantly rely on preventive (85%) and predictive (60%) maintenance strategies, supported by advanced technologies such as IoT (70%), AI (50%), and robotics (30%). In contrast, Iran’s railway system is more dependent on reactive maintenance (20%), with limited adoption of modern technologies (e.g., 15% IoT, 10% AI, 5% robotics) and weaker regulatory enforcement (40%). Additionally, Iran faces significant challenges, including aging infrastructure (90%), funding shortages (80%), and a shortage of skilled personnel (70%), which hinder the implementation of efficient maintenance practices. The study also highlights the growing adoption of green technologies (60%) and digitalization (75%) in international railways, areas where Iran is still in the early stages of development. Based on these findings, the article provides practical recommendations for Iran, such as shifting to proactive maintenance, adopting advanced technologies, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and investing in workforce training and green innovations. This comparative study not only offers actionable insights for improving Iran’s railway maintenance but also contributes to the global discourse on enhancing the efficiency, sustainability, and resilience of railway systems worldwide.