A spatiotemporal assessment of variability of road traffic noise patterns across selected towns of West Bengal, India

Road traffic-induced noise pollution in urban environments poses significant health risks, including auditory damage, cardiovascular diseases and chronic stress. This study assessed spatiotemporal variations in traffic noise levels across twelve sampling locations in Kanchrapara, Kalyani and Halisahar towns (West Bengal), focusing on three time intervals: morning (7–8 AM), midday (11 AM–12 PM), and evening (5–6 PM). Key metrics, including equivalent noise levels (Leq), statistical descriptors (L10, L50 and L90), and noise indices (TNI, LNP and NC), were analyzed. Results revealed that all locations exceeded the Central Pollution Control Board-recommended limits (65 dB for commercial and 55 dB for residential), with peak levels reaching 85–116 dB in high-traffic zones like Kanchrapara’s Kapa More and Halisahar’s Sarkar Bazar. Midday intervals exhibited the highest noise pollution (TNI-NC correlation: r = 0.94), driven by traffic congestion and commercial activity. Spatial analysis identified Halisahar and Kanchrapara as noisier due to unplanned urbanization, while Kalyani’s planned areas (e.g., Central Park) recorded lower levels (Leq: 59–76.8 dB). The strong correlation between TNI and NC (r = 0.92) confirmed traffic noise as the primary driver of NC variability. Notably, NC values (10–21 dB) indicated frequent and stressful noise fluctuations in congested areas. These findings underscore the need for targeted mitigation strategies, including traffic regulation, sound barriers and urban green buffers, to reduce health risks from road traffic noise in rapidly growing towns and cities. The study advocates for policy interventions tailored to high-exposure zones and further research on non-traffic noise sources and long-term human health impacts.