Ram Sekhar Bodala

Integrating Geo-Fencing and Artificial Intelligence for Safety-Centric Enterprise Asset Management in Railways

Abstract:

Railway enterprises manage geographically distributed, safety-critical assets such as tracks, bridges, signaling systems, and rolling stock. Traditional Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) systems rely heavily on time-based or condition-based maintenance strategies, which often fail to account for location-specific risk exposure and dynamic operating contexts. This paper proposes a Geo-Fence and AI-enabled EAM framework that embeds real-time spatial intelligence and predictive analytics into railway safety management. The approach defines virtual safety zones (e.g. high-speed corridors, sharp curves, bridges, grade crossings, electrified sections, and work zones) and continuously monitors asset and vehicle interactions within these zones. Artificial intelligence models combine historical failure data, asset condition indicators, environmental factors, and operational patterns to produce context-aware safety risk scores. The risk scores are mapped to enterprise actions, including prioritized maintenance work orders, risk-based inspections, backlog re-ranking, and optional operational safety controls. A simulated railway use case illustrates how location-aware intelligence can reduce safety-exposed failures, improve response times for high-risk assets, and optimize inspection planning based on geographic risk rather than fixed schedules. The proposed framework bridges spatial monitoring, predictive analytics, and enterprise execution workflows, providing a scalable pathway toward safer, data-driven railway asset management.

Profile:

I am an Enterprise Asset Management leader with 16+ years of experience modernizing infrastructure systems across rail, automotive, and renewable energy sectors. Skilled in IBM Maximo, predictive maintenance, and ISO 55000 strategies, I have delivered impactful programs for Amtrak, Ford, and GE. A published researcher and active member of IEEE, BCS, SCRS, and IETE, I am also committed to mentoring the next generation of engineering professionals.