Asawari Gharat: Spicing Up Streets with Global Inspiration

We’re an interconnected nationwide team, but we each have our own reasons for being passionate about the work we do. This month, get to know Asawari Gharat, senior engineering associate in our Reston office.

What’s your background and how did you become a transportation professional?

I grew up in Mumbai, where traffic is just a part of life. It’s such a densely populated city that I thought this was just the way things were. But everything changed when I took a transportation course during my undergraduate studies. I realized that engineering could actually play a role in fixing these problems. During one of my early projects, I was in a small town doing quick tally counts at an intersection when about 20 bullock carts came through, and I didn’t even know how to categorize them. It was moments like that which really sparked my interest in transportation. Over time, I’ve learned that transportation is about so much more than just addressing congestion—it’s about helping people get from point A to point B in the most efficient way possible. I’ve come to understand that I can’t go back home and magically fix the traffic in Mumbai, but I can work toward solutions that make a difference in how people move. My journey as a transportation professional has been a process of constant learning, and I know there’s still a long way to go.

Outside of work, I absolutely love to travel and explore new restaurants. This passion came from my parents, who always encouraged me to travel from a young age. At first, it was just about seeing a new city, but as I got older, it became more about immersing myself in different cultures and learning to adapt to new environments. When I travel, I also enjoy observing the local transportation systems and thinking about how I can integrate what I see into my work. I love taking trips with family and friends quite often. I used to love playing tennis, but now I’ve switched to pickleball. I play socially with friends and in local leagues, and it’s been a great way to stay active and connect with people. Pickleball is a bit more accessible than tennis in terms of finding people to play with, so I’m really enjoying it.

What type(s) of project do you find most rewarding, and why?

Recently, I’ve found projects that involve integrating artificial intelligence into existing transportation systems to be very rewarding. AI is a buzzword in the industry right now, and while everyone wants to embrace this technology, the challenge lies in adapting it to the current infrastructure. Funding limitations and compatibility issues often make this process difficult. What I enjoy the most is finding a middle ground—working with the existing infrastructure while gradually introducing newer technologies. I work on transit signal priority, and the idea of integrating the existing signal systems with cloud-based solutions is both exciting and challenging. It’s satisfying to see how we can use new technology to enhance the client’s existing setup, especially when we bring all the right stakeholders into the conversation to brainstorm and find solutions.

What skills or tools do you think are especially important for people in your position?

For someone in my role, I think a solid understanding of signal operations is crucial—everything from timing to the hardware components and communications. Beyond the technical skills, building trust-based relationships with client, vendors and maintaining open communication is vital. It’s important to understand the new hardware and how we can best integrate them into our engineering solutions. On the technical side, proficiency in CAD software, microsimulation tools, and data analysis. As we move towards adopting new technologies, the ability to analyze and understand data becomes even more critical. Finally, strong communication skills are essential, especially when working with multiple stakeholders like city officials, federal agencies, and other partners in large-scale projects.

What advice do you have for interns or young professionals trying to break into the industry?

My biggest piece of advice is that it’s okay to make mistakes—that’s how you learn. No one expects you to know everything right away, so take the pressure off yourself and be open to learning from your mistakes. I also encourage young professionals to be vocal about their likes and dislikes of their work. If you’re clear about what you enjoy and what you don’t at work, it will guide you toward the areas where you’ll be most passionate and productive. The industry is always in need of new talent, so just be patient, trust the process, and put in your best effort.

Which trends are you most excited about for the future of transportation?

I’m really looking forward to seeing high-speed rail become more of a reality in the United States. Growing up in India, I saw the benefits of an extensive rail network, even if it wasn’t high-speed. It’s a cost-effective way to move people over long distances, and I believe the U.S. could make better use of its vast land by investing in high-speed rail. It ties into environmental benefits as well, by reducing the number of cars on the road and lowering our carbon footprint. In addition to that, I’m excited about the potential of micro-mobility for shorter trips and swarm intelligence for traffic management. Swarm intelligence is inspired by nature—like how birds or fish move in coordinated patterns without centralized control—and I think it could revolutionize how we manage traffic flows, reduce congestion, and optimize routes in real time. I’m hopeful that one day we’ll see these technologies widely adopted on our roadways.