An Analytical Perspective to Evaluate the Noise Level and Respective Spatial Noise Mapping Induced by Metro-Rail Movement in Dhaka City

Abstract

Metro rail systems, which provide efficiency and speed, have revolutionized urban travel. However, the subsequent influence on environmental acoustics, notably noise pollution, needs further examination. This study evaluates noise pollution from the Dhaka metro rail along an 11.7 km segment, focusing on 27 monitoring points across commercial, mixed, and residential areas. Sampling on working and non-working days, representing a three-shift day, revealed average morning noise levels during working days (72 dB to 78.7 dB), increasing in the afternoon (76.2 dB to 83.6 dB), and peaking in the evening (80.8 dB to 89 dB). On non- working days, morning levels ranged from 69.1 dB to 73.1 dB, with afternoon and evening levels at 75.2 dB to 81.6 dB and 75.2 dB to 84 dB, respectively. Identified noise levels at specific locations underscored the need for managing metro rail-induced noise pollution, especially in commercial zones during working days. To address this issue, the research recommends implementing noise reduction measures and planning strategies to minimize disturbances in sensitive areas, ensuring a sustainable and harmonious urban environment.