Rapid urbanisation and motorisation are some of the key challenges faced by leading economies across the globe. How does one find a way through the mire?

I am working on the current transportation situation in Delhi and its impact on travel demand, energy requirements and air pollutant emissions (including greenhouse gas). My topic of research is 'Health Impact Assessment of Pollutants from Surface Transport Sources: A Modelling and Epidemiological Study.' The study entails establishment of a relationship between air pollution from urban road transport emissions and human health, using relative risk functions and concentration risk functions for criteria pollutants. For the first time, the research reflects on future impact using scenarios developed by incorporating policy aspects including technological and behavioural measures for reducing impacts on urban air quality and human health. I am also looking at various policy aspects for capturing the viewpoints of all stakeholders working on urban transport system such as manufacturers, regulatory bodies, and users.

We have designed a mixed approach in this research. I am using travel demand assessment and energy-emission modelling using mathematical simulations, for capturing current parameters such as population and economic growth, while predicting future transport scenarios. The extensive field surveys were conducted in Delhi region to capture vehicle user information which includes vintage, mileage, occupancy, fuel type, etc, and perception towards current public transport system.

The study involves enormous primary data collection using field surveys. The field survey was a bit challenging to see the current data management practices at various agencies. It involved interaction with a lot of stakeholders for collecting information with respect to travel, impacts on human health and their perception towards transport sector including private and public vehicles. There were instances of lesser response rates, initial difficulty in engaging participants, keeping their motivation high by explaining them that their involvement is very important in these kinds of studies.

This research is a small step in reflecting what is happening in transportation sector, especially in the urban areas. By taking the example of Delhi's transportation system, the study will not only identify the areas of concern, but will also highlight various ways of solving these problems for our sustenance in an environmental friendly and safe manner.

The findings from this research will help inform future policy development and support compliance with existing legislation by providing information on effective control strategies for managing air pollution from the transport sector.

I want to continue my research in the large area of environment and sustainable development. I want to understand the linkage between development, environment and its impact, especially on human health, thereby looking at feasible solutions for the benefit of my nation and well-being of the humankind.