Mumbai: Cops crack down on noisy bikes, vehicles

Cops seizing modified silencers

The Mumbai Traffic Police have launched a special drive against vehicles with pressure horns and modified bike silencers. They have seized 1,350 bikes with modified silencers and removed the silencers on the spot. Additionally, 4,850 vehicles with pressure horns have been targeted. All seized horns and silencers will be crushed under a bulldozer on June 3 in the presence of top ministers and police officers.

The Bombay High Court was strict about the noise pollution on city roads, prompting the government to take this initiative. Under the supervision of Joint Commissioner Anil Kumbhare, 41 traffic division police officers in the city started this special drive on May 21, which will end on June 3. Most of the bikes seized were Royal Enfields with modified silencers.

"During the drive, we found that people left no stone unturned to fulfil their passion. They removed the silencers of their bikes and installed modified silencers costing between Rs 60,000 and Rs 70,000. Similarly, many types of pressure horns were found, priced between Rs 5,000 and Rs 70,000. After catching them, the silencers were removed on the spot with the help of a mechanic, and a fine of R1,000 was charged," said an officer.

"Our aim is not to trouble anyone. People are very upset with the sound of silencers and pressure horns; no one likes it. This is why we are getting support from the common people, who are appreciating the action. All 41 traffic divisions in Mumbai take action against an average of 485 pressure horns and 135 modified silencers daily, and this number is increasing day by day," said another officer from the Mumbai Traffic Police.