Framework for data-driven, socio-economically efficient recovery of deferred railway maintenance

Purpose and goal

The project aims to achieve system innovation by shifting the perspective in the management of deferred maintenance in the Swedish railway infrastructure from a technical to an economic service life approach. The project has three objectives: 1. To define maintenance debt and place it in a Nordic context. 2. To propose a monitoring framework that enables systematic follow-up. 3. To propose a methodology for the socio-economically efficient prioritisation of measures at the asset level.

Expected effects and result

Expected results include: - A definition of maintenance dept for railways. - A methodology for socio‑economic action prioritisation to address deferred maintenance. - A framework for systematic monitoring of maintenance backlog over time. Expected impacts include: - Increased knowledge on the calculation and monitoring of maintenance backlog. - Socio‑economically efficient prioritisation delivering greater impact per unit of expenditure. - A framework applicable to other assets (e.g. roads).

Planned approach and implementation

The project is carried out by VTI in collaboration with Trafikverket. VTI is responsible for project management and implementation, while Trafikverket contributes as the needs owner through coordination and quality assurance. The project is conducted during the period from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027 and is structured into two work packages with the following titles: WP1–Definition and Nordic perspective. WP2–Prioritisation methodology and monitoring framework.