RTA completes 40% of Dubai Metro lighting replacement project

 Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), has completed 40% of the Lighting Replacement Project at Dubai Metro stations and facilities, having replaced 17,880 conventional lighting units out of 44,700 with energy-efficient LED technology.

The project forms part of RTA's efforts to raise energy efficiency and develop Dubai Metro's infrastructure according to the best sustainable operational practices, thereby reducing environmental impact and enhancing the efficiency of the public transport system.

The project is implemented in collaboration with Keolis MHI, the company responsible for operating and maintaining Dubai Metro and Dubai Tram, and aimed at enhancing energy efficiency, reducing operation and maintenance cost, as well as carbon emissions, and improving the sustainability of Metro facilities.

Phases 1 and 2 covered installing energy-efficient LED lighting at footbridges and various passenger and operational areas across the Red and Green Line stations. Works are progressing on Phase 3 to upgrade lighting systems in the remaining facilities, including car parks, tunnels, extension buildings, and power distribution stations, in line with the set schedule.

Dawood Alrais, Director of Rail Maintenance at the Rail Agency, RTA, said: "This step signifies a strategic investment in the sustainability of Dubai Metro's assets, as the joint efforts have played a crucial role in delivering a cost-effective solution that contributes to reducing energy consumption, maintenance requirements, and environmental impact," affirming that replacing the lighting units will improve their quality and reliability, thereby enhancing the passenger travel experience.

The new lighting units have an operational lifespan of up to 11 years under continuous operation, compared to about one year for conventional bulbs. This avoids 12 to 13 replacement cycles and saves 6 to 7 man-hours per unit over its operational lifecycle, in addition to reducing maintenance requirements and costs.

Upon the project's completion in 2027, electricity consumption is expected to reduce by more than 14 million kWh annually.