Lucknow: The thunderous roar of cruise and sports bikes is turning peaceful neighbourhoods into zones of noise pollution and public nuisance in the state capital. Experts said that while many high-end bikes come with loud exhaust sounds, several bikers modify silencers and spark plugs to mimic the sound of superbikes for fun and show-off, without realising that this causes distress to residents, particularly the elderly and children. According to industry experts, company-fitted silencers ensure that noise levels remain within the permissible 80-decibel limit set under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules and environmental protection norms. However, after the installation of illegal silencers, noise levels often exceed these limits, leading to increased noise pollution and, in the long run, damage to the engine. Noor Ahmad, an automobile supervisor at a workshop, said, “Unapproved aftermarket modifications, especially in exhaust systems and engine components, compromise safety and efficiency and reduce the vehicle’s lifespan. In several instances, vehicles can also catch fire.” Despite special drives by Lucknow police against such modifications, these silencers are easily available in spare parts markets in Lalbagh and Indira Nagar, among other areas. Residents and commuters have raised concerns about the inconvenience caused by these noisy modifications and their easy availability. Anil Kumar, a resident of Khayali Ganj, said, “The noise of these bikes can be heard from nearly two miles away.” Saba Khan of Aminabad, said, “While returning from my uncle’s house in Chowk, a biker suddenly sped past us, creating an unusually loud and frightening noise. My daughter was so scared that she kept crying for almost an hour.” Such violations can attract fines of up to Rs 10,000, licence suspension, or even up to three months’ imprisonment. However, these measures have not been enough to deter bikers who continue to flout the rules. DCP (Traffic) Raveena Tyagi told TOI that a focused drive against modified silencers is being conducted across the city. “Regular checking at key junctions and hotspots, immediate challans, removal or seizure of illegal silencers, and action against garages involved in selling or fitting such devices are part of the drive,” she said.
