Research identifies two-wheelers as major contributor to traffic-related sound levels
PANAJI
Two-wheelers have emerged as the biggest contributor to traffic-related noise pollution in Goa, according to a study that assessed sound levels at key road intersections across the State.
The findings were part of a joint research study conducted by researchers Rushali Mishra and Juhi Gupta from the Amity Institute of Environmental Sciences, Amity University, Noida, along with Ravi Sekhar and Nasim Akhtar from the Transport Planning and Environment (TPE) division of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI), New Delhi.
The researchers presented their findings in a conference paper titled “Acoustic Modelling of Traffic Noise and Analysis of Environmental Noise Data in Goa, India”, which was released this year.
The study focused on traffic-induced noise pollution in Goa and analysed equivalent continuous sound levels (Leq) at 33 intersections across the State. The assessment was carried out using traffic volume data collected by CSIR-CRRI.
Researchers found that two-wheelers consistently influenced noise levels across all locations surveyed. In contrast, the contribution of heavy vehicles such as buses and multi-axle vehicles, as well as light vehicles including cars and autorickshaws, was found to vary and was at times negligible.
The findings indicate Goa’s heavy dependence on two-wheelers for daily transportation and suggest that regulating two-wheeler traffic could play a significant role in reducing urban noise pollution.
The study also developed predictive noise models to estimate sound levels at intersections and found a moderate correlation between observed and predicted values, with determination coefficients (R²) ranging between 0.602 and 0.667 across three traffic categories.
Researchers recorded ambient noise levels in Goa at around 60 decibels and noted that growing urbanisation and traffic density have intensified environmental noise concerns in the State.
The study further highlighted that existing noise control laws and regulations often remain inadequate in mitigating the impact of environmental noise on residents, stressing the need for updated policy frameworks and targeted mitigation strategies.
As of date, Goa’s total vehicular population stands at 14.75 lakh vehicles, of which 9.80 lakh are two-wheelers, reflecting their dominance in the State’s transport network.
Vehicle registration data also indicates a continued rise in two-wheeler ownership. Between January and May 20 this year, Goa registered 35,200 new vehicles, including 24,000 two-wheelers. In 2025, the State recorded registrations of 86,300 vehicles, of which 57,000 were two-wheelers.
