Mahim locals want ban on bikes with no silencers

Mumbai: Residents of Mahim have written to police and traffic department authorities requesting them to clamp down on mechanics who modify motorbikes, altering their exhaust pipes and silencers in such a way that it adds to noise pollution.

The letter has said that it is a city-wide problem, and hence the police should take steps to curb it by warning mechanics against such modifications. Speaking about the problem, Irfan Machiwala, a Mahim resident, said that the modified motorcycles, when tested, create a loud thumping noise. “Sound pollution from vehicles, particularly motorcycles with modified exhaust pipes, is becoming a concern for Mumbaikars.”  

He further said that the sound of factory-fitted silencers is within permissible limits, but many owners are resorting to modifying the silencers to achieve a thumping sound. “The police should target mechanics as well as bike owners who get the bikes altered. The police should put fear in the minds of the mechanics by announcing that they would be booked for customising the bikes,” said Machiwala, adding that the letter had the same content.

When asked about the problem, senior police inspector Pandit Nivrutti Thackarey said, “The RTO generally doesn’t permit any modifications as modifications of any type require a no objection certificate from the motorcycle manufacturer concerned.”