Research Grant Inititative

The Research Grant Initiative aims to foster a strong research culture and enhance the professional competence of young researchers and students dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the field of transportation, and is open to individuals researcher or research team. It aligns with SSTN’s mission and contribute to the generation of knowledge that promotes sustainable and safe transportation practices.

Research Grant Inititative 2025

 

Under the Research Grant Initiative 2025 four researhes were selected and awarded in June-July 2025. They will receive upto NPR 50,000 as Research Grant support throughout the research period of upto 1 year. 

An agreement for the same has been signed with three of the researchers/team on 13th July 2025.

Principle Researcher: Mr. Samrat Acharya

Topic: Performance Evaluation of Exclusive Bus Lane System with Signal Priority Using Simulation-Based Analysis (A case study of a section in Kathmandu-Bhaktapur Route)

About the Researcher: Samrat Acharya is a postgraduate student pursuing a Master’s degree in Transportation Engineering at IOE Pulchowk Campus, Tribhuvan University. His research endeavors focus on advancing knowledge in public transportation systems, transportation planning, traffic operations, and sustainable urban mobility. Through his hands-on involvement in diverse projects within these fields, he strives to seamlessly integrate innovative research with real-world applications, contributing meaningfully to the advancement of the transportation sector in Nepal.

Principle Researcher: Ms. Aanchal Tiwari 

 Topic: 3D FEM Analysis of Geo-Synthetically Reinforced Road Pavements for Mitigating Structural Deficiencies in Heavily Loaded Lanes in BEnd adn Uphill Sections.

About the Researcher: Er. Aanchal Tiwari is a young and dedicated transportation engineer. She holds a Master’s degree in Transportation Engineering from IOE, Pulchowk Campus, Tribhuvan University. She has published several research articles in various journals and has actively participated in both national and international conferences as a presenter and attendee. She has also served as the master of ceremonies at various national and international conferences.

Her research interests include pavement engineering, road safety, tunnel vibration, and related areas. Her work encompasses laboratory-based studies, field investigations, and numerical modeling, reflecting a comprehensive approach to transportation research.

 
Principle Researcher: Mr. Peters Unekwu Onyilo (Optimization/Data Analyst)

Team Members: Arome Gabriel, Ph.D. Cybersecurity

Topic: Building Digital Transport System for Nepal with Offline Navigation for Disaster-Resilient Route Optimization 

Principle Researcher: Mr. Sankalpa Poudel 

Team Members: Mr. Prabesh Rijal, Ms. Abhilasha Subedi, Mr. Prashant Chaudhary 

Topic: How App-Based Ride-Sharing Influences Travel Behavior and Vehicle Ownership Intentions in Kathmandu Valley

About the Researcher: Sankalpa Poudel is a civil engineer with a strong interest in the interdisciplinary study of infrastructure, environmental policy and human behaviour. A graduate of Pulchowk Campus, Institute of Engineering, he has served as a Junior Research Assistant at the Institute for Integrated Development Studies(IIDS), contributing to the study of the economic-wide implications of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0). As part of this study, he contributed to the preliminary findings, primarily in the sector of transportation (electric vehicles). He was also part of the technical team at IIDS, providing feedback on NDC 3.0. Before that, he had also gained experience as a site supervisor for the Eco-Home Project at ICIMOD for Sustainable Future Nepal. Beyond his professional work, he loves to travel and enjoys spending quality time with his family and friends.

Current Opportunity

Safe & Sustainable Travel Nepal (SSTN) announces Call for Research Proposals as part of its Research Grant Initiative for Bachelors’ Final Year Students in Nepal. 

This opportunity aims to support quality research and enhance the professional competence of young researchers/students inclined to making a meaningful impact in the field of transportation.