Transportation Engineering Course: Admission 2024, Fees, Syllabus, Entrance Exam, Career Scope

Updated on Sep 26, 2024 12:16 IST
Pragati Singh

Pragati SinghSenior Executive - Content

Transportation Engineering course entails the planning, designing, construction, and operation of transportation systems to facilitate efficient movement of people and goods. While not typically offered as a standalone undergraduate program, Transportation Engineering is often included as a specialised area within Civil Engineering courses.

Transportation Engineering witnesses high demand in India due to the country's growing infrastructure needs. MTech courses often provide specialisations such as Highway Engineering, Railway Engineering, Urban Transportation Planning, and Airport Engineering. Additionally, the field integrates with technologies like GIS, data analytics, and intelligent transportation systems for efficient planning and management.

Transportation Engineering eligibility for PG courses, a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a related field is required for pursuing a Master's in Transportation Engineering (MTech Transportation Engineering). Entrance exams into these courses may be through national-level exams like GATE or university-specific entrance exams like VITEEE.

Top institutions offering MTech courses in Transportation Engineering include IITs such as IIT Delhi and IIT Bombay, NITs such as NIT Trichy and NIT Rourkela, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Anna University, and BITS Pilani.

There are various Transportation Engineering career opportunities, with many courses emphasizing research and development in areas such as sustainable transportation and smart infrastructure. Transportation Engineering graduates can also pursue careers in sectors including government transportation departments, engineering consulting firms, urban planning agencies, and research institutions. Moreover, the average Transport Engineering salary in India is INR 5 LPA. 

Transportation Engineering Course Details: Highlights

Aspiring individuals seeking information on Transportation Engineering courses are encouraged to explore a curriculum that covers key aspects such as traffic analysis, infrastructure planning, and sustainable transportation systems. Transportation engineering degree programs offered by reputable institutions delve into the intricacies of urban transportation, highway design, and intelligent transportation systems.

Refer to the table given below for a quick review of the course: 

Particulars

Transportation Engineering Course Details

Course Level

Undergraduate and Postgraduate

Eligibility

UG: Class 12 along with entrance examination

PG: BTech + GATE

Duration

UG: 4 years

PG: 2 years

Examination Type

Semester-wise

Course Fee

INR 3000 - 15 Lakhs

Top Colleges

IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Roorkee

Average Salary

INR 5.5 Lakhs

Job Scope

Structural Engineer, Geotechnical Engineer, Site Engineer, Construction Engineer, Professor

Entrance Exams

JEE Mains, TS EAMCET, WBJEE, MHT CET

Top Recruiters

Larsen and Toubro, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Schlumberger, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), Indian Railways etc. 

NOTE: This information is sourced from official website and may vary.

Transportation Engineering Course Relevant Information:

Top Engineering Colleges in India

Q:   What is the difference between Transportation Engineering and Civil Engineering?

A:

Civil Engineering encompasses a broader range of infrastructure development, including buildings, bridges, dams, and water resources projects.

While, Transportation Engineering focuses specifically on the planning, design, construction, and operation of transportation systems.

What is Transportation Engineering Course?

This discipline addresses the challenges related to the efficient and safe movement of people and goods within urban and regional areas. Here are some key aspects of the Transportation Engineering course:

  • The curriculum typically covers a range of subjects, including traffic engineering, transportation planning, pavement design, public transportation systems, highway engineering, and logistics.
  • Students may engage in practical projects, case studies, and internships to gain hands-on experience and apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.

Moreover, Students often have the opportunity to specialize in specific areas within transportation engineering, such as:

  • Traffic Engineering: Focuses on the study of traffic flow, control systems, and optimization to ensure smooth and safe movement on road networks.
  • Urban Transportation Planning: Involves planning and designing transportation systems within urban areas, emphasizing sustainability and efficiency.
  • Public Transportation Systems: Concentrates on the development and management of public transit systems, including buses, trains, and other modes of public transport.

Transportation Engineering Course Relevant Information: 

JoSAA 2025 Cutoff OUT: Check Opening & Closing Rank for IITs, NITs, IIITs & GFTIs

 

Q:   What is the difference in Transportation Engineering and Transportation Planning?

A:

While both fields of engineering lead to efficient transportation systems, the focus for each of them is on different areas:

FeatureTransportation Engineering
Transportation Planning
FocusThe designing and building of infrastructure like roads, railways, airports, etc.
Planning and development of transportation systems, keeping in mind demand, policy, and sustainability.
Educational BackgroundTypically Civil Engineering or related field
Urban Planning, Public Policy or a related field, which may also be achieved by engineers
Typical TasksDesign highways, bridges, railway tracks, airport facilities, traffic management systems.
Conducting traffic studies, forecasting travel demand, developing transportation plans, evaluating environmental impacts.
ExamplesDesigning highways, bridges, railways, airports
Developing public transportation systems, traffic management strategies, and long-term transportation plans
EducationMaster's degree in Transportation Engineering (MTech Transportation Engineering).
Master's degree in Urban Planning or Transportation Planning (M.U.P., M.T.P.).

Transportation Engineering Eligibility Criteria

Students who are interested in Transportation Engineering course will find a diverse range of programs, including undergraduate and postgraduate options, designed to enrich their skills in traffic management and transportation planning. Below are the eligibility criteria based on the Transportation Engineering course levels:

Course Level

Qualification

Entrance Exams

Undergraduate (B.E./BTech)

10+2 with PCM with 50 percent aggregate

JEE Main & Advanced (for top institutes), VITEEE, MHT CET, etc.

Postgraduate (MTech)

B.E/BTech in Civil Engineering (or related field) with 55 percent aggregate

GATE (primary), Some institutes might have additional exams

Predict Your BTech Admission 2024: 

Engineering College Predictor 2024

JEE Main College Predictor 2024

College Predictor 2024

BTech Rank and College Predictors

Q:   What are the eligibility criteria for studying Transportation Engineering course?

A:

For undergraduate studies, a 10+2 pass certificate with Physics and Mathematics as mandatory subjects, scoring a minimum of 50 percent or as per the specific university requirements, is typically required. For postgraduate studies (MTech), a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a related field is mandatory.

Best Transportation Engineering Entrance Exams 2025

Some popular exams in India for transportation engineering include the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) and the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE). These exams are conducted at the national level and are accepted by various universities and institutes across the country.

They assess your knowledge in subjects like Mathematics, Physics, and Engineering. Make sure to stay updated with the official websites of these exams for more details and important dates. 

Engineering Exam 2025

Exam Schedule

JEE Main 2025

JEE Main Schedule

JEE Advance 2025

JEE Advanced Schedule

MHTCET 2025

MHTCET Schedule 

CUET 2025

CUET Schedule

TS EAMCET 2025

TS EAMCET Schedule

BITSAT 2025

BITSAT Schedule

COMEDK UGET 2025

COMEDK UGET Schedule

KCET 2025

KCET Schedule

KEAM 2025

KEAM Schedule

WBJEE 2025

WBJEE Schedule

VITEEE 2025

VITEEE Schedule

Note- This information is sourced from the official website of the institute/exam.

Relevant link for Transportation Engineering Exams:

Top Engineering Entrance Exams 2025

22 Jan ' 25 - 31 Jan ' 25

JEE Main 2025 Exam Date Session 1

31 Jan ' 25 - 24 Feb ' 25

JEE Main 2025 Session 2 Registration

Jan '25 - Mar '25

MHT CET 2024 Application Form

TENTATIVE

9 Apr ' 25 - 17 Apr ' 25

MHT CET 2024 Admit Card PCB Group

2 Jan ' 25

GATE 2025 Admit Card

1 Feb ' 25

GATE 2025 Exam (CS1 | AG | MA | CS2 | NM | MT | T...

Q:   Which are the top entrance exams for admission to Transportation Engineering?

A:

The top entrance exams for Transportation Engineering are JEE Main, JEE Advanced, VITEEE, MHT CET. For PG admissions, GATE is the most popular entrance examination.

Transportation Engineering Course Syllabus

The syllabus for transportation engineering typically covers a wide range of topics related to transportation planning, design, and management. Some common subjects you can expect to study include transportation systems analysis, highway engineering, traffic engineering, transportation planning, and public transportation systems.

Additionally, you may also delve into topics like transportation economics, transportation modeling, and sustainable transportation. The specific syllabus might vary slightly depending on the university or institute offering the course.

Transportation Engineering Subjects- Semester 1

Introduction to Transportation Engineering

Transportation Planning

Railway Engineering

Basics of Surveying and Drawing

Transportation Engineering Subjects- Semester 2

Traffic Engineering

Public Transportation Systems

Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)

Engineering Physics

Transportation Engineering Subjects- Semester 3

Transportation Economics

Elective Courses

Environmental Impact of Transportation

Structural Design for Transportation Systems

Transportation Engineering Subjects- Semester 4

Project Work

Transportation Planning and Management

Geotechnical Engineering for Transportation

Transportation Infrastructure Planning

Note: The syllabus may differ as per the institute.

Also ReadTransportation Engineering Syllabus

Q:   What are the different specializations within Transportation Engineering?

A:

Some popular specialisations include:

  • Highway engineering is one of the specializations, which involves designing, constructing, and maintaining highways.
  • Railway Engineering is subfield entails railway design, planning, and operation.
  • Urban transportation planning refers to the process and control of plan in urban transport systems.
  • Airport Engineering involves the designing, construction, and operation of airports.
  • Logistics and Supply Chain Management helps in leveraging transportation network usage for the efficient movement of goods.

Best Transportation Engineering Colleges

Invest time in thorough research, seek guidance from mentors, and make an informed decision in choosing the right college for your career ahead in Transportation Engineering:

Popular Transportation Engineering Government Colleges

Some of the top government colleges for transportation engineering include the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and the National Institutes of Technology (NITs). These institutes offer excellent programs in transportation engineering and have state-of-the-art facilities and experienced faculty. Admission to these colleges is usually through competitive exams like JEE (Joint Entrance Examination) and GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering).

Transportation Engineering College

Transportation Engineering Fees

IIT Madras 

INR 20,000 - 10 L

IIT Delhi

INR 3 L

IIT Bombay

NA 

IIT Kharagpur

INR 20,000 - 10 L

NIT Trichy

INR 1.4 L

Note- This information is sourced from the official website/ counselling body and may vary.

Transportation Engineering Colleges Relevant Information:

 Top IITs Colleges in India

Popular Transportation Engineering Private Colleges

Below mentioned private colleges have excellent infrastructure, experienced faculty, and offer comprehensive programs in transportation engineering. Admission to these colleges is usually based on entrance exams like BITSAT and others: 

Transportation Engineering College

Transportation Engineering Fees

BITS Pilani

INR 9.26 L

Chandigarh University

INR 2.26 L

Galgotias University

INR 1.54 L - 1.56 L

Oriental University

INR 1.4 L

School of Engineering, UPES 

INR 15.72 L

Note- This information is sourced from the official website/ counselling body and may vary.

Transportation Engineering Colleges Relevant Information:

IIT Fees Structure for BTech Courses

2.69 L
17.92 LPA

#2 India Today

3 Courses
3 L
14 - 17 LPA

#1 India Today

2 Courses
20 K - 8 L
17 - 19 LPA

#3 The Week

2 Courses
20 K - 10 L
21.28 LPA

#4 India Today

1 Course
1.4 L
10 LPA

#7 The Week

#3 India Today

Q:   Which are the top colleges for Transportation Engineering in India?

A:

Some of the top colleges offering Transportation Engineering courses are Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Anna University, and Delhi Technological University.

Q:   What are the top government colleges for Transportation Engineering?

A:

Following are the top government colleges for this course:

Transportation Engineering College

Transportation Engineering Fees

IIT Madras 

INR 20,000 - 10 L

IIT Delhi

INR 3 L

IIT Bombay

NA 

IIT Kharagpur

INR 20,000 - 10 L

NIT Trichy

INR 1.4 L

Note- This information is sourced from the official website/ counselling body and may vary.

Popular Private Transportation Engineering Colleges in India

1 Course
2.2 L
3.8 LPA
1 Course
1 Course
2.86 L
1 Course
2 L
1 Course
2.05 L
1 Course
1.24 L

Transportation Engineering Career, Scope, Job, Salary and Recruiters

This table provides a brief overview of some of the most common transportation engineering job profiles in India. Moreover, specialisation within the field can significantly impact the salary. 

Transportation Engineering Jobs

Job Description

Transportation Engineering Salary

Transportation Planner

Analyzes traffic flow, designs transportation networks, develops transportation plans, and conducts feasibility studies.

INR 6 - 10 LPA

Highway Engineer

Designs, constructs, and maintains highways, bridges, and tunnels.

INR 5 - 8 LPA

Traffic Engineer

Implements traffic management plans, analyzes traffic signals, designs roundabouts and intersections, and monitors traffic flow.

INR 4.5 - 7.5 LPA

Railway Engineer

Designs, constructs, and maintains railway infrastructure including tracks, stations, and signaling systems.

INR 5.5 - 9 LPA

Airport Engineer

Designs, constructs, and maintains airport infrastructure including runways, terminals, and hangars.

INR 6 - 10 LPA

Transportation Modeling Engineer

Uses computer models to simulate traffic flow, analyze transportation systems, and design solutions.

INR 5 - 8 LPA

Sustainable Transportation Specialist

Develops and implements sustainable transportation solutions like electric vehicles, public transportation, and cycling infrastructure.

INR 4.5 - 7.5 LPA

Construction Project Manager

Oversees all aspects of construction projects including transportation infrastructure projects.

INR 7 - 12 LPA

Transportation Consultant

Provides consulting services to government agencies, private companies, and developers on transportation projects.

INR 5.5 - 9 LPA

Research Engineer

Conducts research on new and innovative transportation technologies and solutions.

INR 4.5 - 8 LPA

Note- The above salary has been collated from different external sources, and hence may vary.

Read MoreCareer in Engineering

Top Transportation Engineering Recruiters

Sustainable transportation, data analytics for traffic management, and automated vehicle technology are in high demand. These industry heavyweights, with their extensive networks and expertise, can give your career a headstart. Below are some of the top recruiters in India for Transportation Engineering: 

Transportation Engineering Top Recruiters

Indian Railways

National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC)

State Public Works Departments (PWDs

Larsen & Toubro (L&T)

Tata Projects

AECOM

Afcons Infrastructure

Mott MacDonald

Transportation Engineering Scope Related Information:

IIT Bombay Placements 2023-24: 22 Offers Above INR 1 Crore, 12% More Recruiters, 78 International Jobs

Transportation Engineering Upcoming Trends

India's infrastructure revolution is gathering pace, fueled by ambitious megaprojects like bullet trains and smart cities. This translates to a dynamic and exciting landscape for transportation engineers, brimming with cutting-edge advancements and transformative possibilities.

Trend Description Key Implications
Sustainable Transportation: Increased focus on reducing emissions and environmental impact through:

Electrification of vehicles (EVs) and charging infrastructure development. Adoption of public transportation, cycling, and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.

Research on alternative fuels like hydrogen and biofuels.

Reduction in air and noise pollution.
Improved public health and quality of life.
Challenges in grid modernization and battery technology development.
Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS): Integration of technology to improve efficiency and safety:

Smart traffic management systems with real-time data analysis.

Autonomous vehicles and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). Connected vehicles and V2X (vehicle-to-everything) communication.

Reduced traffic congestion and travel times.
Improved safety and accident prevention.
Need for robust data security and privacy infrastructure.
Multimodal Integration: Seamless connectivity between different modes of transportation:

Development of integrated transportation hubs.

Intermodal freight transport optimization.

Smart ticketing and fare systems.

Increased accessibility and travel options.
Enhanced economic efficiency and logistics.
Challenges in coordination between different transportation authorities.
Hyperloop and High-Speed Rail: Development of ultra-fast transportation technologies:

Research and development on hyperloop systems. 

Expansion of high-speed rail networks.

Integration with existing transportation infrastructure.

Significant reduction in travel times over long distances.
Increased connectivity and regional development.
High infrastructure costs and long development timelines.
Resilience and Climate Adaptation: Designing infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events:

Flood-resistant infrastructure design and materials.

Heat-resistant pavement and roofing technologies.

Disaster management and evacuation planning.

Increased infrastructure longevity and reduced repair costs.
Improved public safety and preparedness for climate change.
Need for investment in research and development.

Read MoreCareer in Engineering

Q:   What is the average salary of Transportation Engineering graduates?

A:

The average salary of Transportation Engineering graduates range from INR 4 lakhs to 15 lakhs per annum. The salary depends on the experience of the employee as well as the organization that they are working for.

Q:   What are the diverse career opportunities available for Transportation Engineers?

A:

Transportation planning and design with government agencies, consulting firms, or private developers; construction management of transportation infrastructure projects; research and development in transportation technologies; logistics and supply chain management; and urban transportation planning with urban planning agencies are some potential career paths.

Transportation Engineering Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some commonly asked questions for Transportation Engineering courses:

Q:   What are some emerging trends and technologies impacting Transportation Engineering?

A:

Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), sustainable transportation solutions like electric vehicles and green infrastructure, and the use of data analytics for traffic management and network optimization are some prominent trends shaping the future of this field.

Q:   What are the skills required to pursue Transportation Engineering?

A:

Candidates aspiring to pursue Transportation Engineering must possess the following skills:

  • Good Communications skills
  • Creativity
  • Teamwork
  • Interpretation of data
  • Leadership skills
  • Mathematical knowledge

Popular Transportation Engineering UG Courses

Following are the most popular Transportation Engineering UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Transportation Engineering PG Courses

Following are the most popular Transportation Engineering PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

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Student Forum

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Write here...

Answered 2 months ago

Following are the top government colleges for this course:

Transportation Engineering College

Transportation Engineering Fees

IIT Madras 

INR 20,000 - 10 L

IIT Delhi

INR 3 L

IIT Bombay

NA 

IIT Kharagpur

INR 20,000 - 10 L

NIT Trichy

INR 1.4 L

Note- This information is sourced from the official website/ counselling body and may vary.

P

Pragati Singh

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Transportation planning and design with government agencies, consulting firms, or private developers; construction management of transportation infrastructure projects; research and development in transportation technologies; logistics and supply chain management; and urban transportation planning w

...more

P

Pragati Singh

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Candidates aspiring to pursue Transportation Engineering must possess the following skills:

  • Good Communications skills
  • Creativity
  • Teamwork
  • Interpretation of data
  • Leadership skills
  • Mathematical knowledge

P

Pragati Singh

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

The average salary of Transportation Engineering graduates range from INR 4 lakhs to 15 lakhs per annum. The salary depends on the experience of the employee as well as the organization that they are working for.

P

Pragati Singh

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), sustainable transportation solutions like electric vehicles and green infrastructure, and the use of data analytics for traffic management and network optimization are some prominent trends shaping the future of this field.

P

Pragati Singh

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Some popular specialisations include:

  • Highway engineering is one of the specializations, which involves designing, constructing, and maintaining highways.
  • Railway Engineering is subfield entails railway design, planning, and operation.
  • Urban transportation planning refers to the process and control of

...more

P

Pragati Singh

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

While both fields of engineering lead to efficient transportation systems, the focus for each of them is on different areas:

FeatureTransportation Engineering
Transportation Planning
FocusThe designing and building of infrastructure like roads, railways, airports, etc.
Planning and development of transportation systems, keeping in mind demand, policy, and sustainability.
Educational BackgroundTypically Civil Engineering or related field
Urban Planning, Public Policy or a related field, which may also be achieved by engineers
Typical TasksDesign highways, bridges, railway tracks, airport facilities, traffic management systems.
Conducting traffic studies, forecasting travel demand, developing transportation plans, evaluating environmental impacts.
ExamplesDesigning highways, bridges, railways, airports
Developing public transportation systems, traffic management strategies, and long-term transportation plans
EducationMaster's degree in Transportation Engineering (MTech Transportation Engineering).
Master's degree in Urban Planning or Transportation Planning (M.U.P., M.T.P.).

P

Pragati Singh

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

The top entrance exams for Transportation Engineering are JEE Main, JEE Advanced, VITEEE, MHT CET. For PG admissions, GATE is the most popular entrance examination.

P

Pragati Singh

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Civil Engineering encompasses a broader range of infrastructure development, including buildings, bridges, dams, and water resources projects.

While, Transportation Engineering focuses specifically on the planning, design, construction, and operation of transportation systems.

P

Pragati Singh

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Some of the top colleges offering Transportation Engineering courses are Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Anna University, and Delhi Technological University.

P

Pragati Singh

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

For undergraduate studies, a 10+2 pass certificate with Physics and Mathematics as mandatory subjects, scoring a minimum of 50 percent or as per the specific university requirements, is typically required. For postgraduate studies (MTech), a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a related field

...more

P

Pragati Singh

Contributor-Level 10

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