Samarth Bhatia

About Samarth Bhatia

I am a dedicated Transport Planner with a PhD in Transport Planning from IIT Bombay and over 6 years of experience, 2+ years focusing on international projects. Currently, I work at Systra, where my responsibilities include strategic modelling projects. It includes extensive use of tools such as SATURN, CUBE, VISUM, Python and GIS. I have been involved in strategic projects in India, U.K, Ireland, New Zealand and the Middle East. Additionally, I have been involved in testing land use and transportation interaction (LUTI) models for the UK region, utilizing DELTA software and preparing comprehensive data models and GIS analysis.During my tenure at IIT Bombay, I managed over three major research and consultancy projects, collaborating with esteemed clients such as the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), New Mangalore Port Trust (NMPT), and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). These projects have helped me develop skills in project leadership, data collection, and analysis:NMPT: Spearheaded the optimization of port operations, which included designing surveys, planning and supervising on-site data collection, conducting data analysis, model calibration and validation, testing alternative scenarios, and comprehensive report writing.MPCB: Led the project to complete the calibration and validation of a model aimed at decongesting one of Mumbai’s busiest urban corridors.ISRO: Engaged in satellite image processing, land use/land cover (LULC) analysis, and urban growth monitoring using GIS tools.In addition to my professional and project work, I have authored over 13 research papers published in reputed journals and 20+ papers presented at national and international conferences.(including TRB and WCTR)My portfolio reflects a strong commitment to delivering data-driven solutions, meticulous research, and effective project management across varied scales of urban and transportation planning. With a diverse background that bridges academic research and professional consultancy, I bring a unique, holistic approach to transport and urban development challenges.

Experience

1. Transport Planner

   Systra India

   Sep 2023 — Present · Ahmedabad, IN

   Working on strategic modelling and Land Use Transportation Interaction projects mainly in UK, Ireland, New Zealand and Middle East Region. Strategic Modelling Work Involves -Analysis of traffic count data, preparation of count data for modelling input, network coding, zoning - zone aggregation/disaggregation, trip matrix manipulation, updating prior demand, calibration and validation of travel demand model, working with cal-val dashboards, and option testing for metro extensions. I have also worked extensively on demand side of projects involving preparing uncertainity logs and using them to develop the trip productions and attractions.LUTI Projects - Involved in preparing data models, carrying out sensitivity analysis to understand impact of increased rents on distribution of jobs across UK, studying impact of accessibility on land use distribution, studying impacts of car constraints on trips. I have also worked on validating model processes, for example checking how the model computes generalized costs for areas outside transport model. I have worked extensively for preparing travel to work (TTW) matrix using the census tables such as socio economic classifications, trip purposes and car ownership levels.

Education

• I B Patel English School

  Schooling

  2004 — 2009

• Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay

  Doctor of Philosophy - PhD, Transportation and Urban Planning

• Birla Vishvakarma Mahavidyalaya

  Bachelors of Engineering, Civil Engineering

• National Institute of Technology Hamirpur-Alumni

  Master of Technology - MTech, Transportation Systems Engineering