RTA Completes Second Phase Of Maintenance For Dubai Metro Ventilation Systems Enhancing Passenger Comfort

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has successfully completed the second phase of upgrading the ventilation and air conditioning systems at stations on the Red and Green Lines of the Dubai Metro. This initiative aligns with RTA’s Strategic Plan 2024–2030, focusing on passenger comfort, customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, and sustainable asset management. The project underscores RTA's commitment to seamless and sustainable mobility.

The collaboration between RTA and Keolis-MHI aims to improve service quality and ensure infrastructure readiness, especially during Dubai's hot summer months. The project is designed to extend the lifespan of essential assets while maintaining consistent performance and reliability of station cooling systems. In Phase 2, a total of 876 ventilation and air conditioning units were upgraded across 14 stations and two car parks on the Red Line without affecting train operations.

This phase follows the successful completion of Phase 1, which involved upgrading 261 units across 13 stations. The entire programme was carefully planned over a period of 10 months to occur outside peak hours and during night shifts. This scheduling ensured that station operations remained smooth and passengers experienced no disruptions during the execution period.

Preparations for Phase 3 are already in progress, targeting the remaining 25% of public-area fan coil units (FCUs), along with back-of-house and critical room air handling units (AHUs) at Red Line stations. Experimental work for this phase started in mid-July 2025. The ongoing Ventilation and Air Conditioning (VAC) Enhancement Project by RTA seeks opportunities for energy optimisation through variable flow technology.

The proactive approach taken by RTA aims to ensure long-term reliability and performance of station cooling systems. By focusing on extending asset lifecycles, RTA is committed to maintaining high standards of service quality. The strategic plan also emphasises enhancing customer happiness by providing a comfortable environment for passengers using the metro system.

The VAC Enhancement Project is part of a broader effort to explore energy-saving opportunities within the metro system. By shifting towards variable flow technology, RTA aims to optimise energy use while maintaining efficient operations. This initiative reflects RTA's dedication to sustainable practices in public transportation.

The completion of Phase 2 marks a significant milestone in improving infrastructure readiness for Dubai Metro's Red Line stations. As preparations continue for subsequent phases, RTA remains focused on delivering seamless mobility solutions that prioritise passenger comfort and operational efficiency.

With inputs from WAM