Keolis MHI Appoints Vikas Sardana As Managing Director To Lead Dubai Metro And Tram Operations

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Keolis MHI Appoints Vikas Sardana As Managing Director To Lead Dubai Metro And Tram Operations

Keolis MHI has appointed Vikas Sardana as its new Managing Director, marking a key leadership transition as the company advances its “Strategy Plan 2026” and strengthens its partnership with the Roads and Transport Authority.

The appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Dubai’s urban mobility sector, with Keolis MHI reaffirming its commitment to operational excellence, innovation, and sustainable growth while continuing to oversee the emirate’s Metro and Tram networks.

A seasoned rail executive with over two decades of experience, Sardana brings extensive expertise from managing high-density metro systems across the Middle East and India. Having previously served as Acting Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Keolis MHI, he played a central role in ensuring the safe, reliable, and high-performance delivery of transit services for millions of commuters.

“It is a profound honour to lead Keolis MHI at such a defining time for urban mobility in Dubai,” Sardana said. “Our focus remains on delivering a seamless, sustainable, and world-class travel experience, driven by a passenger-first approach and powered by technology.”

During his tenure as COO, Sardana was instrumental in enhancing operational efficiency, including efforts to reduce traction energy consumption through digital optimisation and predictive maintenance.

Commenting on the appointment, Youenn Dupuis, CEO Middle East & Eastern Asia at Keolis Group, highlighted Sardana’s deep operational expertise and understanding of Dubai’s transit landscape.

“His leadership will be crucial as Keolis continues to expand its presence in the region while maintaining high service standards for passengers in Dubai,” Dupuis said.

Before joining Keolis MHI, Sardana served as Director of Operations and Board Member at Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Ltd, where he led operational readiness for 40 kilometres of new metro lines. He also spent 13 years with Mumbai Metro One, heading Operations and Maintenance and delivering world-class punctuality on one of the busiest metro corridors globally.

A Chartered Engineer with a background in electrical engineering and a master’s degree in data science and engineering, Sardana combines technical expertise with strategic leadership.

Under his direction, Keolis MHI is expected to further strengthen its multiskilled workforce, integrate emerging technologies, and continue delivering efficient, reliable transport services across Dubai’s Metro and Tram systems.