It is both an honour and a privilege to serve as the Head of the Centre for Transportation Systems (CTRANS) at the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee.

The critical role of transportation in nation-building cannot be overstated. Efficient and equitable transport systems serve as the backbone of economic development, social integration, and environmental sustainability. At CTRANS, we are deeply committed to contributing to this vision by nurturing future-ready professionals and researchers who uphold the highest standards of academic excellence and ethical responsibility.

CTRANS currently offers a two-year full-time M.Tech. programme in Transportation Systems, which is designed to address the multifaceted challenges in the domain of transportation through a systems-based and interdisciplinary lens. Additionally, the Centre offers a Ph.D. programme focused on advanced research across various transportation-related themes. These programs are carefully structured to provide students with a solid foundation in theory, practical applications, and policy perspectives, thereby preparing them for leadership roles in academia, industry, and government.

CTRANS embodies the spirit of interdisciplinary research by integrating knowledge and methodologies from diverse fields such as Civil Engineering, Urban Planning, Economics, Behavioural Sciences, Environmental Studies, and Management. This multidisciplinary approach enables us to explore a broad spectrum of research areas, including but not limited to transport system modelling, intelligent transportation systems (ITS), traffic safety and operations, sustainable urban mobility, public transportation planning, non-motorized transport, freight logistics, transport policy, and the environmental and socio-economic impacts of mobility systems.

The Centre actively engages in academic and sponsored research that addresses both contemporary and emerging issues in transportation. Our faculty and scholars contribute extensively to high-quality publications, policy briefs, and technical reports that aim to inform and support evidence-based policymaking at regional, national, and international levels. CTRANS aspires to be a thought leader in shaping transportation policies that are sustainable, inclusive, and resilient, fostering systems that meet the evolving mobility needs of society while aligning with national development goals.

In alignment with the Institute's legacy of 178 years of academic leadership, and as we progress into the 20th year of CTRANS, we are undertaking significant curriculum reforms, designed to be contemporary, contextually relevant, and globally competitive. It seeks to equip students with advanced knowledge, practical skills, and systems-thinking capabilities essential for addressing the complexities of modern transportation.

On behalf of the CTRANS community, I extend a sincere invitation to all prospective students, researchers, collaborators, industry partners, and policymakers to engage with us in our pursuit of excellence and innovation in the field of transportation systems.

Kind regards,
Ramesh Anbanandam, Ph.D.
Professor and Head,Centre for Transportation Systems
Department of Management Studies