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Rail Maintenance

Expertise

Rail Maintenance: Smart, Safe and Reliable

Every train journey starts with well-maintained tracks. That requires top-quality maintenance – and that is one of Strukton’s core specialities. Safety and availability are at the heart of everything we do. We combine innovative technology, intelligent systems and efficient processes with decades of hands-on experience.

Performance-Based Maintenance

As a certified maintenance contractor, we deliver performance-based maintenance in the Netherlands and Sweden. Our goal: tracks that are always safe, available and reliable. Wherever possible, we work predictively and preventively, and we are on call 24/7 for corrective maintenance when needed.

Data-Driven Maintenance

Modern rail maintenance is all about data. We monitor assets such as switches, rails, track geometry, overhead lines and train protection systems using advanced measurement and inspection trains, POSS monitoring, ground radar and sensors. We combine this data with other systems and our practical expertise to gain insight into track condition, predict maintenance needs and plan intelligently. Our customers also benefit from real-time insights. Our technicians provide digital feedback, completing the data cycle.

This ensures:

  • Assets in optimal condition, demonstrably compliant with requirements
  • Prevention of failures and delays
  • Predictable, plannable maintenance based on intelligent data
  • Continuous learning and improvement through data analysis
mobile phone in track environment

Technical Disciplines

Rail maintenance covers more than just tracks. We operate across all technical fields: Track, Signalling, Civil Structures, Overhead Lines, Power Supply, Tunnel Technical Installations (TTI), Cables & Pipes and Vegetation Management.

Machines

We deploy our advanced fleet for maintenance, including tamping machines, Krols and lifting platforms. Our machines are increasingly automated, data-driven, smarter – and increasingly sustainable.

International Expertise

In Sweden and the Netherlands, we are a trusted partner for rail maintenance. We deliver top-level services for Trafikverket, SL, ProRail and other infrastructure managers. Visit our Swedish and Dutch websites for more information.

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Industrial Rail Connections

Our smart approach also applies to industrial rail connections. Strukton Rail Short Line manages over 150 connections, taking full responsibility for availability.

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News about rail maintenance

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Innovations in rail maintenance

“From the moment I arrived here as an intern, I immediately felt at home. I felt part of the team from the very beginning. That gave me confidence.”
Twan van den Berg Technical Services Technician Railway Machinery and Locomotives
“Keeping the railways in top conition to allow passengers and freight trains to travel safely and comfortably from point A to point B. That the task of our maintenance teams. Heavy trains drive on the tracks day in, day out, and all assets must be in perfect condition.”
Chris Bos
Chris Bos, Chief Technician in Strukton's Maintenance Team in the Netherlands
“We can operate the CBOT-1 measuring robot remotely. We install it at a specific location on the rails, and from there it is able to reach every position. The robot can scan as many as 200 metres of rail and crane tracks in just a single movement. ”
Jo Derie
Jo Derie Geomatics Engineering Manager at Strukton Rail Belgium
““Initially, our operators weren’t exactly enthusiastic about electric locomotives. They thought diesel-powered locomotives were cooler and easier to deploy. Now they don’t want anything else but electric! The e-locs accelerate smoothly and quickly and don’t need to warm up beforehand.””
Aad Onderwater
Aad Onderwater Business Line Manager Strukton Rail Equipment (NL)
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Chris Bos
Hybrid locomotive for work on the track

Frequently asked questions

Still have questions after reading this page? Find answers to frequently asked questions about rail maintenance.

What is railway maintenance?

Railway maintenance refers to all activities required to keep rail infrastructure safe, reliable and in optimal condition. This includes tracks, switches, overhead lines, sleepers, ballast, power supply, cables, ducts and signalling systems. Routine inspections and major renewal activities such as rail grinding, tamping and ballast maintenance are essential to ensuring long‑term track performance. Asset management plays a crucial role in rail maintenance.

What is the purpose of railway maintenance?

The purpose of railway maintenance is to ensure the safety of passengers and train operations, prevent failures and delays, extend the lifespan of rail assets and avoid costly repairs by resolving issues early. Maintenance is vital for keeping high‑usage rail networks reliable and efficient, reducing disruptions and supporting sustainable rail operations.

What is the best way to perform railway maintenance?

Modern railway maintenance combines condition monitoring, inspection data, advanced algorithms and expert domain knowledge to support data‑driven decision‑making. Digital tools and predictive analytics help maintenance teams detect issues earlier, schedule interventions more effectively and continuously improve the maintenance cycle. These approaches are increasingly adopted across Europe to boost reliability and reduce unplanned downtime

How is maintenance priority determined?

Maintenance priority is determined using asset condition models and long‑term asset management strategies. This enables companies and railway managers to forecast the future state of critical rail components, helping planners intervene at the optimal moment. Intelligent asset‑management systems make it possible to compare scenarios, estimate remaining service life and plan renewals efficiently based on operational needs and strategic investment priorities.

When does railway maintenance take place?

Because European rail networks are heavily used, maintenance is often carried out during night‑time or weekend possessions when fewer trains are running. High‑traffic lines require carefully planned maintenance windows to minimise service disruptions while ensuring infrastructure remains safe and in good condition.

How is the safety of train operations ensured during maintenance?

Safety is maintained through strict operational procedures in combination with modelling and prioritisation based on asset criticality. Intelligent asset management and real‑time monitoring technologies help identify risks at an early stage and ensure trains can continue to operate safely. These systems support long‑term investment planning and maintain the reliability of the rail network.