(a) Intelligent and Smart Transport Systems
Key words: Integration of electronics and communication technology, travel information and data analysis, Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data Analytics, Digital Twins, Travel Information Systems, Connected and Autonomous Vehicles, Predictive Analytics, Communication Technologies, Smart Infrastructure.
Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) integrate information, electronics and communication technologies with transportation infrastructure and vehicles to improve the safety, efficiency and sustainability of urban mobility. By collecting, processing and analyzing real-time transportation data, ITS enables informed decision-making for traffic operations, infrastructure management and traveller information services. The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data analytics and digital twin technologies has further enhanced the capability of ITS to predict travel demand, optimize network performance and support proactive traffic management. Applications include adaptive traffic signal control, electronic toll collection, real-time travel information systems, connected and autonomous vehicles, commercial vehicle operations and smart parking systems. Research may focus on the development and application of intelligent technologies, predictive analytics, emerging data sources, sensor-based systems and digital innovations to improve transportation planning, network operations, safety, resilience and sustainable urban mobility.
(b) Mobility as a Service (MaaS)
Keywords: Multiple transport services, Unified digital platform, flexible on demands network, Mobility as a Service (MaaS), integrated transportation, shared mobility, ride hailing, digital mobility platforms, multimodal journey planning, integrated ticketing, integrated payment systems, on-demand transport, real-time information, mobility ecosystem.
Mobility as a Service (MaaS) is an integrated transportation approach that enables users to plan, book and pay for multiple transport services through a single unified digital platform. By seamlessly combining public transport with shared mobility options such as ride hailing, bike sharing, micro-mobility and on-demand transport services, MaaS offers travellers flexible, convenient and sustainable mobility solutions. It supports multimodal journey planning through integrated ticketing, payment systems and real-time travel information, reducing dependence on private vehicles while improving accessibility and user experience. MaaS contributes to reduced congestion, lower emissions and more efficient utilization of existing transport infrastructure. Research under this theme may focus on digital mobility platforms, service integration, mobility data analytics, user behaviour, policy and regulatory frameworks, business models, integrated fare systems and emerging technologies that enable connected, efficient and sustainable urban mobility ecosystems.
(c) Public Transport Planning and Operations and Travel Behaviour
Keywords: Schedule, standardized fare, transit planning, public transport operations, travel behaviour, mode choice, travel demand forecasting, fleet scheduling, demand management, transit hubs, route planning, para-transit, travel surveys, stated and revealed preference (SP/RP), discrete choice models, activity-based models, behavioural studies.
Public transport forms the backbone of sustainable urban mobility by providing safe, affordable and efficient travel through services such as buses, metro rail, trams, ferries and para-transit systems. Effective public transport planning requires an understanding of passenger demand, travel behaviour and service performance to develop reliable, accessible and user-oriented transport networks. This theme covers transit planning, route and network design, fleet scheduling, demand management, fare systems, transit hubs and the integration of formal and informal public transport services. It also encourages research on travel behaviour, mode choice, travel demand forecasting, behavioural responses to transport policies and multimodal travel using revealed and stated preference surveys, discrete choice models, activity-based modelling and other analytical approaches. Studies incorporating intelligent transport systems, digital technologies, artificial intelligence and data-driven solutions to enhance service planning, operational efficiency and passenger experience are also welcomed.
(d) Non-Motorized Transport and Shared Micro-Mobility
Keywords: Shared micro mobility, infrastructure standards, walking and cycling, active mobility, bicycle sharing, personal mobility devices (PMDs), street design, complete streets, cycling infrastructure.
Non-Motorized Transport (NMT) forms the foundation of sustainable and inclusive urban mobility by promoting safe, healthy and environmentally friendly modes of travel such as walking and cycling. With the rapid emergence of shared mobility services, the scope of NMT has expanded to include shared bicycles and other personal mobility devices that support short-distance travel and improve accessibility. The development of dedicated pedestrian facilities, cycle tracks, complete streets, traffic calming measures and universal accessibility is essential for encouraging active mobility and creating people-centric urban environments. Research under this theme may focus on street design, infrastructure planning, infrastructure standards, safety, policy interventions, accessibility, and innovative planning approaches that promote sustainable, integrated and equitable urban mobility.
(e) Metro Impact on Livability
Keywords: Transit systems, carbon footprints, safety and comforts, time saving, transit accessibility, urban livability, traffic congestion, enhanced connectivity, commute time, urban regeneration, land value capture, public health, air quality, economic development, social impacts.
Metro rail systems have become a key catalyst for sustainable urban development by providing efficient, reliable and high-capacity public transport. They improve urban livability by reducing travel time, traffic congestion and carbon emissions while enhancing accessibility to employment, education, healthcare and other essential services. Beyond improving mobility, metro systems influence urban regeneration, land use patterns, economic development, property values and the quality of public spaces around transit corridors. They also contribute to improved air quality, public health and social well-being by encouraging a shift towards sustainable modes of transport. Research under this theme may focus on evaluating the impacts of metro systems on urban livability, accessibility, land value capture, transit-oriented development, station area planning, social equity, travel behaviour, environmental sustainability and policy frameworks that support integrated and resilient urban development.
(f) Transit Oriented Development, Urban Planning and Land Use
Keywords: Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), land use planning, land use zoning, mixed-use development, compact cities, high-density corridors, urban planning, urban design, master planning, public spaces, affordable housing, access to transit, sustainable urban growth, urban form.
Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) is an integrated urban planning approach that promotes compact, mixed-use and high-density development around mass transit corridors and stations to create sustainable, accessible and livable cities. By integrating transportation planning with land use planning, TOD encourages walkability, cycling, public transport use and reduced dependence on private vehicles. It supports efficient land utilization, affordable housing, improved access to employment and essential services, vibrant public spaces and sustainable urban growth. The Government of India has introduced the National TOD Policy to guide cities in integrating transit infrastructure with urban development. Several cities, like Delhi, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad and the Delhi–Meerut RRTS corridor, are incorporating TOD principles into their master plans. Research under this theme may focus on urban planning, land use planning, urban design, zoning regulations, complete streets, public realm design, implementation frameworks, governance models, planning policies and the real-world outcomes of TOD initiatives that contribute to resilient, inclusive and sustainable urban development.
(g) Last Mile Connectivity, Accessibility and Inclusive Mobility
Keywords: Accessibility options, feeder transport, last mile connectivity, first and last mile, Intermediate Public Transport (IPT), accessibility, universal design, e-scooters, e-rickshaws, inclusive mobility.
Last mile connectivity represents the final leg of a journey, bridging the gap between public transport systems and users' origin and final destination. Efficient first and last mile connectivity enhances accessibility, convenience and the overall attractiveness of sustainable urban mobility by providing seamless access to metro rail, bus rapid transit systems, railway stations and other transit hubs through feeder services, intermediate public transport (IPT), walking, cycling and emerging accessibility options such as e-rickshaws and e-scooters. Well-designed pedestrian infrastructure, cycling facilities and universal design principles are essential to ensure that transport systems are safe, accessible and inclusive for all users, including women, older adults and persons with disabilities. Research under this theme may focus on feeder transport planning, accessibility improvements, inclusive mobility, street and public realm design, regulatory frameworks for IPT and shared mobility services, policy interventions, and innovative solutions that strengthen first and last mile connectivity while promoting greater public transport usage and equitable access to urban mobility.
(h) Multi Modal Integration
Keywords: Multimodal integration, seamless connectivity, operational integration, fare integration, information integration, mobility hubs, digital platforms, multimodal transport, passenger experience, modal shift.
Multimodal integration aims to create a seamless and efficient transportation network by connecting various modes of urban mobility, including metro rail, suburban rail, buses, intermediate public transport (IPT), non-motorized transport and shared mobility services. Effective integration reduces travel time, improves passenger convenience and encourages a shift from private vehicles to sustainable modes of transport. Successful multimodal systems require coordinated physical infrastructure, synchronized operations and fare systems, real-time passenger information and well-designed mobility hubs that facilitate smooth transfers between different transport modes. Research under this theme may focus on physical, operational, fare and information integration, multimodal transport planning, mobility hubs, digital platforms, passenger experience, policy frameworks and innovative solutions that improve accessibility, system efficiency and the overall performance of integrated urban transport networks.
(i) Electric Mobility and Sustainable Transportation
Keywords: Electric vehicles (EVs), charging infrastructure, battery swapping, electric buses, electric two-wheelers, shared electric mobility, hydrogen mobility, alternative fuels, battery recycling, energy systems, lifecycle assessment (LCA), lifecycle cost analysis (LCCA), charging behaviour, sustainable transportation.
Electric mobility has emerged as a key component of sustainable transportation by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality and supporting the transition towards low-carbon urban mobility. The rapid adoption of electric vehicles, including electric cars, buses, two-wheelers and freight vehicles, requires robust charging infrastructure, efficient energy management and supportive policy frameworks. Emerging technologies such as battery swapping, hydrogen-powered mobility and renewable energy integration are further transforming the future of transportation. Research under this theme may focus on electric vehicle adoption, charging infrastructure planning, battery technologies, charging behaviour, shared electric mobility, alternative fuel transportation, lifecycle assessment (LCA), lifecycle cost analysis (LCCA), battery recycling, energy systems, policy interventions and innovative solutions that accelerate the transition towards sustainable and resilient transportation systems.
(j) Urban Freight, Logistics and Supply Chain Mobility
Keywords: Urban freight, city logistics, freight transport, logistics hubs, warehousing, last-mile delivery, e-commerce logistics, supply chain, freight demand, multimodal freight, green logistics, freight electrification, sustainable freight, intelligent logistics.
Urban freight and logistics play a critical role in supporting economic growth, commercial activities and the efficient functioning of cities. Rapid urbanization, the expansion of e-commerce and increasing freight demand have created new challenges related to freight movement, warehousing, last-mile delivery, congestion and environmental sustainability. Efficient planning and management of urban freight systems are essential to improve supply chain performance while minimizing traffic congestion, emissions and operational costs. Research under this theme may focus on freight transport planning, city logistics, logistics hubs, warehousing, multimodal freight movement, freight demand modelling, e-commerce logistics, last-mile delivery, green logistics, freight electrification, intelligent logistics systems, policy and regulatory frameworks, and innovative technologies that improve the efficiency, resilience and sustainability of freight and supply chain operations.
(k) Traffic Safety and Traffic Management
Keywords: Traffic safety, traffic management, crash analysis, road safety audits, black spot identification, traffic operations, traffic flow, signal control, congestion management, speed management, parking management, vulnerable road users, pedestrian safety, cyclist safety, traffic simulation, incident management, road user behaviour.
Traffic safety and traffic management are fundamental to developing efficient, resilient and sustainable urban transportation systems. Increasing urbanization and motorization have led to growing challenges related to road traffic crashes, congestion, operational efficiency and the safe movement of all road users. Effective traffic management not only improves mobility and network performance but also enhances road safety by optimizing traffic operations, reducing conflicts and supporting safer travel environments. Research under this theme may focus on crash analysis, road safety audits, black spot identification, traffic operations, signal control, traffic flow analysis, congestion management, traffic simulation, parking management, speed management, road user behaviour, vulnerable road users, incident management, policy interventions and innovative engineering solutions that improve the safety, efficiency and sustainability of urban transportation systems.
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