Pune police rev up crackdown on modified silencers, but residents demand sustained action

Pune traffic police with some bikers caught using illegal exhaust systems during the ongoing drive. Pics/By Special Arrangement

To curb the menace of modified silencers, Pune traffic police have launched Operation Modification against bikers using illegal exhaust systems and the garages fitting them. However, residents say periodic drives have failed to solve the recurring problem and have demanded sustained, citywide enforcement. The action follows repeated complaints from senior citizens, students, patients and families living near schools, colleges, hospitals, coaching centres, and residential areas about noise pollution and reckless riding.

OfficialSpeak

Dr Sandeep Bhajibhakare, DCP (Traffic)
‘Strict action would continue against both offenders and garages. I appeal to riders to avoid using modified silencers and pressure horns.'

ResidentSpeak

Karna Ambarkar, a resident of Nigdi Pradhikaran
‘The neighbouring plots numbered 175 to 189 are heavily troubled by bikers who have deliberately modified their silencers to make loud sounds, often exceeding 80 decibels. These bikers have also tampered with their number plates, making them unreadable. Citizens cannot upload photographs of such offenders on the Pune traffic police app. Even after complaints, action is difficult because the bikes have no visible number plates.'

A resident, on condition of anonymity
‘Some citizens tried stopping them, but the bikers either tried to harm them or fled. There is no regular traffic police presence at Mhalsakant Chowk. If a tight vigil is maintained and offenders face bike confiscation, it would help greatly.'

Priti Shah, local resident
‘The problem worsens during school hours when groups of bikers allegedly race through internal roads. Dropping my children to school every day has become a horrible experience. I often have to stop by the roadside to calm them after a biker with a modified silencer passes close to us. Senior citizens cannot walk safely with their grandchildren due to speeding motorcycles, heavy traffic, and poor road conditions near Mhalsakant Chowk.'

Citizen demand

While welcoming the current drive, citizens demanded continuous implementation across Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. They called for permanent action against garages modifying silencers, strict checks on vehicles without number plates, and surprise inspections, saying only sustained enforcement can end the menace.

Police crackdown

. Acted against 274 bikers in the last three days
. Collected R2.74 lakh in fines
. Seized 84 modified silencers
. Action against garages fitting illegal silencers

Strict action

A police officer told mid-day, "The use of illegally modified silencers, particularly on Bullet motorcycles and other two-wheelers, has increased significantly in recent years. Vehicle inspection drives are being carried out. Bikes fitted with illegal silencers are being stopped, checked and penalised."