‘Noise levels in Lucknow Metro above permissible global limits’

Lucknow: The comptroller and auditor general (CAG) has claimed that a study conducted by IIT Kanpur found noise levels inside and outside Lucknow Metro trains exceeding internationally accepted standards, raising concerns about passenger comfort and acoustic safety.

According to guidelines issued by the Institute for Rapid Transit, Washington DC (1973), sound levels in rapid transit systems must remain within 65-75 decibels (dB) to ensure a comfortable environment for passengers.


To assess compliance, IIT Kanpur measured noise levels at a speed of 40 kmph across elevated and underground tracks. While the overall sound intensity was not extremely high, results consistently exceeded internationally accepted norms.

Inside the metro during static conditions at Munshipulia station, noise levels were between 76.1 dB and 76.2 dB—above the recommended 65 dB.

In dynamic conditions, levels rose sharply to 83.4 dB between Munshipulia and KD Singh Babu Stadium, surpassing the limit of 75 dB.

Exterior tests at seven locations also showed higher values. Static and dynamic conditions recorded 81.7 to 82.4 dB, against 60-75 dB range.

At one of the sites, stationary exterior noise hit 81.3 dB— above the 67 dB benchmark.

"All tests were conducted during less passenger movement hours on the Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation's (UPMRC) request to minimise interference," read the report.

An official statement from UPMRC said: "Noise or sound level were within the limits."

In Sep 2024, the state govt argued that the Washington DC guidelines were not binding and that each transit system operates under its own regulatory framework.

But the CAG noted that despite not being mandatory, these guidelines provide essential benchmarks for designing commuter-friendly transit systems.

"The audit found that Lucknow metro failed to achieve its objective of maintaining comfortable noise levels inside trains and at stations," read the report.