Dr. C. Ramachandraiah is Professor of Geography at the Centre for Economic and Social Studies (CESS), Hyderabad. He holds a Master's degree in Geography from Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati and a PhD from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. He has served as Visiting Fellow at several prestigious international institutions including Humboldt University of Berlin, Institute of Human Sciences (MSH) Paris, University of Bordeaux-3 France and Utrecht University, The Netherlands. His research interests span urban transportation, urban environment and drinking water. Beyond academic research, Dr. Ramachandraiah is an active social activist, engaging in advocacy on issues of public interest. He is a vocal critic of the ongoing elevated metro rail project in Hyderabad.