

M-TECH in Transportation Engineering at Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology, Bhopal


Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
.png&w=1920&q=75)
About the Specialization
What is Transportation Engineering at Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology, Bhopal Bhopal?
This Transportation Engineering program at Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology Bhopal focuses on advanced principles and practices for designing, operating, and managing transportation systems. It addresses the critical infrastructure demands of rapidly urbanizing India, preparing professionals to tackle challenges in urban mobility, logistics, and sustainable transport development. The program emphasizes innovative solutions for efficient and safe movement of people and goods.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for civil engineering graduates with a strong aptitude for infrastructure planning and management, seeking to specialize in the dynamic field of transportation. It also suits working professionals in public works departments, consulting firms, or construction companies aiming to enhance their expertise in areas like traffic engineering, pavement design, and urban planning. Aspiring researchers and academics in transportation studies would also benefit.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue rewarding careers as transportation planners, traffic engineers, pavement design specialists, or ITS professionals in India. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 4-7 LPA, with experienced professionals earning INR 10-25 LPA. They are well-positioned for roles in government organizations (e.g., NHAI, PWD), metropolitan development authorities, urban planning agencies, and major infrastructure consulting firms.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build a Solid Base in Core Subjects- (Semester 1)
Focus intensively on understanding the foundational concepts taught in Traffic Engineering, Urban Transportation Planning, and Transportation Materials. Engage with case studies and problems relevant to Indian urban and rural contexts to deepen understanding.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL lectures, IRC guidelines, Standard textbooks by Indian authors, Departmental question banks, Peer learning groups
Career Connection
A strong theoretical foundation is indispensable for excelling in technical interviews and for building innovative solutions in the transportation sector.
Master Basic Transportation Software & Lab Skills- (Semester 1)
Gain hands-on expertise in critical software like GIS and traffic analysis tools through dedicated lab sessions. Actively participate in all practicals, ensuring a thorough understanding of material testing and data collection techniques.
Tools & Resources
QGIS, ArcGIS (if available), Basic traffic survey equipment, Material testing labs, Lab manuals, Online tutorials for software
Career Connection
Practical skills in software and laboratory testing are directly applicable to roles in consulting, research, and project implementation in India.
Explore Specialization Electives and Research Areas- (Semester 1)
Begin exploring the various elective options and potential research topics within Transportation Engineering by attending faculty presentations, reading research papers, and discussing with seniors and professors. This helps in making informed choices for subsequent semesters.
Tools & Resources
MANIT Civil Engineering faculty research profiles, Journals like ASCE Journal of Transportation Engineering, TRB publications, Departmental research group meetings
Career Connection
Early identification of interests helps in tailoring the academic path towards desired career specializations, be it traffic modeling, pavement engineering, or public transport.
Intermediate Stage
Deepen Expertise in Design and Economics- (Semester 2)
Focus on advanced subjects like Pavement Design, Geometric Design, and Transportation Economics. Understand their practical implications in Indian infrastructure projects by studying real-world examples and design standards.
Tools & Resources
IRC Design Guidelines, Project reports from government agencies (e.g., NHAI), Financial news related to infrastructure, Case studies of Indian metro or highway projects
Career Connection
Expertise in design and economic evaluation is crucial for roles in project planning, design consultancy, and policy-making within the Indian transportation sector.
Engage in Seminar and Elective Specialization- (Semester 2)
Utilize the Seminar course to delve deep into a specific topic of interest, presenting research findings or industry trends. Strategically choose Electives (I & II) to align with career goals, whether it''''s ITS, Public Transportation, or Highway Construction.
Tools & Resources
Academic databases (Scopus, Web of Science), IEEE Xplore, NPTEL advanced courses, Industry magazines, Faculty guidance for topic selection
Career Connection
Specializing through electives and focused seminar topics strengthens your profile for specific job roles and demonstrates specialized knowledge to potential employers.
Seek Summer Internships/Industry Visits- (After Semester 2 (Summer break))
Actively look for summer internship opportunities at infrastructure companies, government bodies (e.g., PWD, metro corporations), or transportation consulting firms in India. Even short-term projects or site visits can provide invaluable practical exposure.
Tools & Resources
MANIT''''s Training & Placement Cell, LinkedIn, Company websites, Alumni network, Professional body memberships
Career Connection
Internships are critical for gaining industry experience, networking, and often lead to pre-placement offers, significantly boosting career prospects.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Comprehensive Research Dissertation- (Semester 3-4)
Dedicate significant effort to the M.Tech Project Dissertation (Parts I & II). Choose a research problem relevant to contemporary Indian transportation challenges, conduct rigorous analysis, and aim for quality research publication.
Tools & Resources
Advanced statistical software (SPSS, R), Simulation tools, Access to research journals, MANIT library resources, Faculty mentorship, Workshops on academic writing
Career Connection
A strong dissertation showcases research aptitude, problem-solving skills, and deep subject knowledge, highly valued in R&D roles, academia, and specialized consulting.
Focus on Professional Skill Development and Networking- (Semester 3-4)
Beyond academics, hone soft skills like technical communication, presentation, and teamwork. Attend national/international conferences, workshops, and network with professionals and alumni in the transportation field.
Tools & Resources
Toastmasters clubs (if available), MANIT career services for mock interviews, LinkedIn for professional networking, Industry conferences (e.g., IRC Annual Session, Urban Mobility India Conference)
Career Connection
Professional skills and a strong network are crucial for job searching, career progression, and securing leadership roles in the Indian transportation industry.
Intensive Placement Preparation & Career Planning- (Semester 3-4)
Engage in focused placement preparation, including resume building, aptitude test practice, and mock interviews. Tailor applications to specific companies and roles within the Indian transportation sector, utilizing the university''''s placement cell resources.
Tools & Resources
MANIT Placement Cell, Online aptitude platforms, Company-specific preparation guides, Alumni testimonials, Current affairs knowledge related to Indian infrastructure
Career Connection
Targeted preparation maximizes the chances of securing a desirable job offer immediately after graduation, aligning with individual career aspirations.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent with a minimum of 60% marks/6.5 CGPA (for General/OBC/EWS) or 55% marks/6.0 CGPA (for SC/ST/PwD). Valid GATE score required.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 80 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50% (Mid-semester, Assignment, Quiz, Class Performance), External: 50% (End-semester Examination)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CET-101 | Traffic Engineering and Management | Core | 3 | Traffic studies and analysis, Traffic flow theory, Capacity and Level of Service, Traffic control devices, Intelligent Transportation Systems |
| CET-103 | Urban Transportation Planning | Core | 3 | Urban travel characteristics, Transportation planning process, Trip generation and distribution, Mode choice models, Trip assignment |
| CET-105 | Advanced Surveying Techniques | Core | 3 | Modern surveying instruments, GPS principles and applications, Remote sensing applications, GIS for transportation, Digital terrain modeling |
| CET-107 | Transportation Materials and Characterization | Core | 3 | Aggregate properties and testing, Bituminous materials and binders, Concrete materials for pavements, Soil characterization and stabilization, Pavement material testing methods |
| CET-151 | Transportation Engineering Lab-I | Lab | 2 | Aggregate testing procedures, Bitumen testing and characterization, Soil testing for subgrade, Concrete mix design principles, Traffic survey equipment operation |
| CET-153 | GIS and Remote Sensing for Transportation Lab | Lab | 2 | GIS software introduction and mapping, Spatial data analysis techniques, Remote sensing image interpretation, Creation of transportation layers, Spatial query and network analysis |
| OE-XXX | Open Elective – I | Elective (Open) | 3 | Varies based on choice from inter-departmental list |
| AC-XXX | Audited Course – I | Audited | 0 | Varies based on choice |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CET-201 | Pavement Design | Core | 3 | Types of pavements and loads, Stresses and strains in pavements, Flexible pavement design methodologies, Rigid pavement design procedures, Pavement evaluation and strengthening |
| CET-203 | Geometric Design of Transportation Facilities | Core | 3 | Highway alignment principles, Sight distance considerations, Horizontal and vertical curves design, Intersection design and analysis, Superelevation and widening |
| CET-205 | Transportation Economics and Finance | Core | 3 | Economic principles in transportation, Project evaluation techniques, Cost-benefit analysis of projects, Transportation funding mechanisms, Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in transport |
| CET-207 | Advanced Traffic Flow Theory (Elective-I) | Elective | 3 | Macroscopic and microscopic models, Queuing theory applications, Traffic simulation techniques, Network flow optimization, Congestion management strategies |
| CET-209 | Intelligent Transportation Systems (Elective-I) | Elective | 3 | ITS architecture and components, Advanced Traffic Management Systems (ATMS), Advanced Traveler Information Systems (ATIS), Public Transportation Systems (APTS), Electronic toll collection and vehicle operations |
| CET-211 | Public Transportation Systems (Elective-I) | Elective | 3 | Public transport modes and characteristics, Route planning and scheduling, Fare collection and revenue management, Ridership forecasting methods, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems |
| CET-213 | Highway Construction and Maintenance (Elective-II) | Elective | 3 | Earthwork operations and equipment, Bituminous pavement construction, Concrete pavement construction, Pavement distresses and causes, Maintenance and rehabilitation techniques |
| CET-215 | Airport Planning and Design (Elective-II) | Elective | 3 | Airport master planning, Airport site selection criteria, Runway and taxiway design, Air traffic control systems, Terminal area design and capacity |
| CET-217 | Railway Engineering (Elective-II) | Elective | 3 | Railway track components and stresses, Track design and geometric standards, Signaling and interlocking systems, Railway operations and capacity, High-speed rail technology |
| CET-251 | Transportation Engineering Lab-II | Lab | 2 | Pavement deflection testing, Traffic simulation software applications, Signal optimization studies, Public transport planning software, GIS for transportation project analysis |
| CET-253 | Seminar | Core | 1 | Technical presentation skills, Literature review and research synthesis, Scientific communication strategies, Topic selection and scope definition, Critical analysis of current research |
| OE-XXX | Open Elective – II | Elective (Open) | 3 | Varies based on choice from inter-departmental list |
| AC-XXX | Audited Course – II | Audited | 0 | Varies based on choice |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CET-301 | Research Methodology | Core | 3 | Research problem formulation, Literature review techniques, Data collection and sampling, Statistical analysis methods, Technical report writing and ethics |
| CET-303 | Traffic Safety and Roadside Design (Elective-III) | Elective | 3 | Accident analysis and causation, Road safety countermeasures, Roadside safety features and clear zones, Human factors in traffic safety, Road safety audits |
| CET-305 | Environmental Impact Assessment of Transportation Projects (Elective-III) | Elective | 3 | EIA process for transportation projects, Environmental impacts of infrastructure, Air quality modeling and assessment, Noise pollution and mitigation, Sustainability in transportation |
| CET-307 | Pavement Management Systems (Elective-III) | Elective | 3 | Pavement condition evaluation methods, Data collection for PMS, Pavement distress prediction models, Maintenance and rehabilitation strategies, PMS software and implementation |
| CET-351 | Project Dissertation – I | Project | 6 | Detailed literature review, Problem identification and definition, Methodology development, Preliminary data collection and analysis, Project proposal and presentation |
| OE-XXX | Open Elective – III | Elective (Open) | 3 | Varies based on choice from inter-departmental list |
| AC-XXX | Audited Course – III | Audited | 0 | Varies based on choice |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CET-451 | Project Dissertation – II | Project | 18 | Advanced data analysis and interpretation, Development of models and solutions, Comprehensive thesis writing, Research paper publication, Final defense and presentation |




