Noise pollution has become a major concern due to its effects on human health. Therefore, the author has chosen to study the effects of noise pollution caused by trains in the rural areas near Dammam city of Saudi Arabia in this study. An attempt is made to monitor the railway noise pollution at certain distances from the railway track. T-test was applied to investigate statistical significance of the difference in noise levels at these distances at different timings. Moreover, a survey was conducted among people, who were exposed to noise levels at different distances from the track, to have their opinions about the noise level and its effects. It was found that noise levels diminish significantly at 20 m from the railway track. But the noise levels were
still above the recommended Saudi standards for rural areas (which was the type of study area) at this distance. The noise levels were found within the recommended limits after 50 m from the railway track in the day time. After which it started to increase again that could be attributed to the presence of highways generating traffic
noise. The noise levels were more than recommended for all locations during night time. Moreover, it was found that residential and educational land uses were allowed within 50 m from the track. This could result in continuous exposure and sustained effects on inhabitants’ health. The most common problems due to railway noise were reported to be annoyance, sleep disturbance and nervous turbulence. Sleep disturbance and nervous turbulence were reported by the people who live within 50 m from the track, where the noise levels were found to be above the allowable standards. It was recommended by the survey respondents to either construct a barrier around the tracks or relocate them.
Keywords: Dammam, Rural Areas, Rail Noise, Health Effects