Dubai Metro Boosts Safety and Efficiency with AI-Powered Railway Maintenance
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has introduced the Automated Railway Infrastructure Inspection System (ARIIS), marking a significant advancement in Dubai Metro’s maintenance strategy. ARIIS is a robotic platform fitted with sensors, 3D cameras, and lasers. It autonomously examines rail tracks and infrastructure without interrupting passenger services. Because artificial intelligence powers real-time analysis, reliance on slower, labor-intensive inspection methods has been reduced.
Through this approach, RTA has been able to implement proactive maintenance strategies. Diagnostic technologies have extended infrastructure lifespan and cut periodic maintenance costs by up to 25 percent. At the same time, data-driven decision-making has improved resource management efficiency by 40 percent, leading to fewer unnecessary interventions and stronger sustainability measures.
Boosting Efficiency and Reducing Costs
Since deployment, ARIIS has shortened inspection times by 75 percent, saving nearly 1,700 human working hours. Traditional inspection tasks have dropped by as much as 70 percent. In addition, the accuracy of infrastructure condition assessments has improved by 40 percent. Consequently, maintenance procedures now move faster, emergency interventions occur less often, and overall metro reliability continues to rise.
RTA has explained that ARIIS is being introduced gradually on select metro lines. A complete rollout will follow once technical and operational evaluations are finished. The Authority is also studying ways to adapt similar AI-based solutions for trams and other transport systems, depending on infrastructure requirements.
Advancing Safety and Predictive Maintenance
With its ability to detect cracks, wear, and rail deviations precisely, ARIIS strengthens predictive maintenance practices. All inspections are coordinated with the control center and scheduled during nightly maintenance hours. This approach prevents disruptions to daily passenger services. As a result, Dubai Metro has enhanced both safety and efficiency, reinforcing its reputation as a global model for smart transport innovation.
