Navi Mumbai traffic police have seized around 450 modified motorcycle silencers across the city and destroyed 93 of them in a crackdown on vehicles producing excessive noise, with the remaining confiscated devices scheduled to be destroyed on October 20 at Kalamboli and Panvel.
The confiscated silencers were crushed under a road roller in the presence of senior traffic officials and a representative of the Vashi Regional Transport Office. In a recent representation to the traffic police, citizen group Sajag Nagrik Manch sought stricter action against vehicles producing excessive exhaust noise, particularly during late-night hours. Police target garages and workshops The police are also targeting garages and workshops that sell or install unauthorised aftermarket exhaust systems. Action against establishments facilitating such modifications is intended to complement enforcement against riders and curb the practice at its source.
Deputy commissioner of police (Traffic) Rahul Khade said each modified silencer cost between ₹ 1 lakh and ₹ 3 lakh. The October 20 operation at Kalamboli and Panvel will cover the remaining seized silencers from the approximately 450 confiscated across Navi Mumbai.
Khade said the traffic department was proceeding in accordance with guidelines issued by a government high-power committee established following directions from the Bombay High Court. The traffic police have said enforcement will continue in response to public complaints and under the applicable committee guidelines. The first phase of the drive was conducted by the Vashi and Seawoods traffic police units near the T S Chanakya signal on Palm Beach Road on Wednesday.
