People across India, who are living in proximity to railway tracks face noise problems due to loud horns from trains.
The train horn is an effective deterrent to accidents at railway crossings. However, the sound level from the train horn creates a significant noise that often depreciates the quality of life in communities where trains operate.
Normal conversation occurs within a range of 60 and 70 dBA. A loud voice is between 70 and 80 dBA and a shout is between 80 and 90 dBA.
Audible communication usually ceases when background noise exceeds 90 dBA. The noise from a train horn (over 125 dBA at 100 feet) can have an impact greater than a siren and cause hearing loss. It also causes disturbed sleep to the communities near the railway tracks which has its own health and economic implications in the long run.
Activists have started a campaign to lower the loudness of train horns when passing through residential areas. It is suggested that the Indian Railways should lower the noise of train horns to a level (90 dBA) when a normal conversation can be had within 100 feet of the train and improve safety at level crossings. This has been implemented in many Western countries.