Delhi noise model finds traffic volume and honking drive sound levels

Noise observations from 201 locations across Delhi have been used to build a model tracking how traffic, honking and the built environment affect sound levels through the day.

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research study combined nine months of monitoring, from October 2023 to June 2024, with data on hourly traffic counts, vehicle speeds and honking. It also accounted for roads, land use, population density, Metro infrastructure, railway stations, bus stops and traffic crossings.

Vehicle counts emerged as the strongest predictor of environmental noise in all four models: daytime, nighttime, 24-hour equivalent and day-night average noise. Honking was also among the most influential factors for daytime and longer-duration readings.

Researchers used the results to create high-resolution noise maps for the New Delhi region, rather than relying only on individual monitoring stations. Residential areas and major roads were closely linked to variation in noise, while proximity to roads and railway stations mattered more at night. Built-up areas affected the spread of daytime and 24-hour noise.