Field measurements have indicated that train noise increases as one goes up a building. The study has shown that train noise has distinct vertical directivity pattern. As the angle of elevation increases from 10 degrees to 30 degrees, the train noise increases by about 7 dB(A) which is clearly perceptible. It correlates very well with more instances of complaints of train noise pollution from residents staying at higher levels of the block facing the elevated viaduct. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.