Abstract
India’s transport system is one of the largest transport systems serving the land mass of 3.3 million square km and a population of over one billion. Indian Railways has one of the largest and busiest rail networks in the world. The present study was undertaken to monitor and study the health effects on exposed population of railway transportation. To determine the impact of railway transportation on lung function of the workers, spirometric analysis was conducted. Significant declines in forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) were observed in the exposed population as compared to expected values. This study reveals reduced lung efficiency of exposed group due to excessive exposure to fine dust emitted at workplace environment. Group of coolie is most vulnerable group to respiratory impairment whereas group of RPF shows less effect among all the groups. The impairment in lung efficiency was increased with duration of exposure in the exposed population. It is recommended to use the personal protective equipment like nose mask and installation the dust collector equipments in the affected areas. Also tree plantation is advised on either sides of the tracks. All workplaces of the groups should introduce the dust exhaust system wherever possible. A regular health check up and awareness campaign is necessary to mitigate the problem.