Steel rail has been at the heart of rail transportation systems for nearly a hundred years. With the rapid development of railway transportation, the steel rail operates in high-speed and heavy-duty operating environment. Steel rail is prone to damages; thus, frequency inspection and maintenance is required to prolong the lifespan of it. Failing to proper periodical inspection and maintenance shall result to accidents which cause injuries and fatality, high repair cost and loss of public confidence. Despite advances in inspection and maintenance technology in railway engineering, the ever-increasing demand for services has resulted in railway failures continuing to be a significant economic burden and jeopardizing the safe operation of railways. This paper reviewed the common defects of rails, the steel rail treatment methods and the application of new inspection equipment.

Traditionally, road maintenance is conducted either using road authorities’ in-house resources or method-based contracting, where contractors do the work and are paid based on predefined volume and unit prices. Nowadays, Performance-based Maintenance Contracting (PBMC) is one of the most current approaches in road maintenance works. PBMC provides contractors with freedom in design, construction methods, materials, and innovation in performing the contract as long as the standard specified is fulfilled. While PBMC implementation is increasing around the world, it can be considered new in Malaysia. This research aims to investigate the viability and practicability of PBMC’s implementation for road maintenance in Malaysia. Specifically, the research’s objective is to identify factors that are affecting the adoption of PBMC for road maintenance works in Malaysia. To achieve that objective, interview data from industry practitioners that are involved in managing roads are analyzed. Factors affecting PBMC’s implementation for road maintenance in Malaysia can be categorized into two groups: PBMC (ex. awareness on PBMC) and Non-PBMC (ex. contractor’s integrity) related factors. The findings of this research would help policymakers, industry practitioners, and researchers improve the success of implementing PBMC in the facility management industry.