Prof. (Dr.) K.P.Sudheer
Director (i/c)
Greetings from NATPAC!
KSCSTE – National Transportation Planning and Research Centre (KSCSTE-NATPAC) is a premier R & D institution in the country which functions related to multi – modal system of transportation covering road, rail, water, air etc. and involved in research, consultancy, and training programs in different fields of transportation engineering. The Centre acts in advisory role and assists other institutions and government agencies for scientific study of the problems concerning transportation and related areas and to come out with implementable solutions.
Our Scientists developed a Road Asset Management System for the selected network of roads including National Highways, State Highways and Major District Roads. The Centre is investigating the impact of integrated feeder service for the public transport patronage. A study on the periodic updation of price indices for Intermediate Public Transport (IPT) Services in Kerala was also covered, which helped the Government to take appropriate decisions whenever fare revision matters are taken up. The impact of extension of private mofussil bus service from Goshree Island to Ernakulam city was also assessed.
As part of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Cell, driving rating cum travel assist system is being developed by NATPAC. The travel assistance system is proposed to be developed as a digital display to provide real time information about the vehicles/ obstacles in the vicinity of the subject vehicle, even in inclement weather so as to take corrective measures if required, thereby assisting the driver and enabling safety for all during all weather conditions.
Our Traffic Safety initiatives aimed at reducing fatalities and severe injuries from motor vehicle crashes. The Centre is continuously monitoring the crash scenario in Kerala by regularly undertaking the on-the-spot investigations of accidents in the State and thereby suggesting crash counter measures. Our Scientists are studying the overtaking characteristics followed by different types of vehicles. An android based mobile app for collecting road related data is being developed by the Centre. The Centre is in the process of creating a Web GIS-based road crash information system using Geospatial tools for Kerala.
The performance of the pavement with respect to variation in aggregate properties, binder types and fillers is being assessed by the Centre. NATPAC proposed a rehabilitation design methodology for the low-volume roads in Kerala, based on the obtained DCPT values and the laboratory results of pavement layer parameters. Data produced by our Highway Engineering Division – ‘Resource Mapping of Road Construction Materials in Kerala’ helps to identify and classify potential construction aggregate resources and fill materials for infrastructure development.
Inland Water Transport is a viable, sustainable alternative in addition to road and rail transport. Though environmentally friendly and the most economical mode of inland transport, it remains largely under-exploited. The travel behavior of the commuters in Kochi Water Metro is being studied as a part of new plan project initiated to evaluate the proposed traffic operation. Our Water Transport Division prepared a DPR for the development of an inland waterway between Kovalam – Akkulam section of West Cost canal. Our Scientists suggested a maintenance and management system for Parvathy Puthanar.
The library of KSCSTE-NATPAC is a specialized one that caters to the scientific community of the institute and extends its services to the scientists and research students of various other research institutions and universities. The library is maintaining a blog natpaclibrary1.blogspot.in to make users abreast of the latest developments in the library. Web OPAC extension of KSCSTE-NATPAC Library is available in https://natpac.libsoft.org/.
We provide facilities and guidance to several students to accomplish their project work and training. The constant support and encouragement received from the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Kerala, Hon’ble Minister for Transport and Hon’ble Minister for Public Works are thankfully acknowledged. The continuous support obtained from the Executive Vice President of KSCSTE, Research Council and Management Committee of KSCSTE-NATPAC has helped to discharge our duties for the benefit of the Society. Our team is our strength. I must thank my scientific, technical and administrative colleagues for their excellent work.