Dr. C. Ramachandraiah is currently a Professor of Geography in the Centre for Economic and Social Studies (CESS), Hyderabad. He obtained a Masters Degree in Geography from Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati. and Ph.D from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. He was a Visiting Fellow at Humboldt University of Berlin, Germany, Institute of Human Sciences (MSH), Paris, University of Bordeaux-3, France, and Utrecht University, The Netherlands. His research interests are urban transportation, urban environment, and drinking water. In addition to academic research, he is also a social activist and takes part in several advocacy activities on issues of public interest. He is a strong critique of the ongoing elevated metro rail project in Hyderabad.