Building Information Modeling (BIM) is transforming rail infrastructure lifecycle management by enhancing collaboration, integrating data, and enabling proactive decision-making. This study compares BIM implementation in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Australia, focusing on adoption levels, challenges, and the critical role of structured data and frameworks in achieving efficiency and sustainability. Through a desktop study, key gaps and actionable insights for advancing BIM practices in Indonesia are identified. Findings reveal significant variation in BIM adoption and integration across the three countries. BIM’s benefits, such as early-stage design optimization, error reduction, and cost efficiencies, depend on structured data and robust frameworks to support predictive maintenance and lifecycle optimization. Australia leads with advanced practices through top-down leadership, detailed national standards, and strong industry-wide collaboration. Malaysia is progressing with stakeholder alignment and adoption of BIM Guide, though scalability remains a challenge. In contrast, the impact of BIM in Indonesia is significantly diminished by the lack of top-down leadership, which results in an absence of standards, fragmented industry collaboration, and reluctance toward upfront investments. To overcome these challenges, Indonesia’s rail infrastructure asset owners must strengthen their leadership, prioritize workforce development, and invest in structured data systems. Standardized frameworks and structured data integration are vital for fostering collaboration, improving asset management, and achieving sustainable rail infrastructure development.