The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai has initiated drone-augmented cleaning trials in Metro and Tram stations, which represents a huge technological advancement in public transit maintenance. The new technology will reduce manpower requirements by more than 50% while enhancing efficiency and safety in operation.
The drones, which are fitted with sophisticated spraying and cleaning technology, have the ability to reach difficult-to-access surfaces, eliminating the use of ladders, scaffolding, or hazardous manual effort. This is particularly useful to clean station external walls, rooftops, and tall glass panels.
RTA officials noted that the pilot project is aligned with Dubai’s smart city and sustainability goals, aiming to enhance service delivery with minimal human intervention. The trials have so far shown excellent results in terms of time saved and cleaning precision.
If fully implemented, drone-powered cleaning could become a new global benchmark in public transport maintenance, further solidifying Dubai’s leadership in smart infrastructure and innovation.