Bhubaneswar: The number of motorcycles using modified silencers to create a loud noise may have gone up in the city, but police and transport authorities seem to have turned blind eye.
A number of youths have modified the exhaust system of their motorcycles and it is creating panic among commuters.
Under the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986, 80 dB is the noise limit for motorcycles and scooters.
However, these youngsters have scant regard for the norms. Sources said the easy availability of these exhaust systems that cost anywhere between Rs 1,000 and Rs 3,000 have seen more and more youths turn to it.
Transport officials said alteration of a factory model was illegal under the Motor Vehicles Act.
"The motorcycles have a stock silencer with three filters to produce low sound. But buyers, especially youths, alter these to produce loud sound. This can attract a penalty of Rs 1,000 which can extend up to Rs 2,000," said a transport official.
While a number of motorcycles can be found with a boosted sound level, a number of motorcycles also generate a firecracker-like sound or that of a firing bullet, which can lead to road mishaps. Most recently, a college girl fell from her scooter near Saheed Nagar when a biker generated a bullet-like noise while overtaking her. Senior citizens are the worst victims of this new traffic menace.
"The police crackdown is restricted to checking for helmets. But this is a bigger menace for commuters. Most of the time, the commuters hear the noise suddenly and get panicky. These motorcyclists should be stringently dealt with," said Niharika Panda, a college student.
Cities such as Mumbai, Bangalore and Pune have already launched a drive against motorcycles with loud exhaust systems. Several residents have also urged the police on its Facebook page to start a crackdown.
Deputy commissioner of police, Bhubaneswar, Satyabrata Bhoi said the police's traffic wing would shortly begin a drive against these vehicles.
"Besides, police stations concerned will be asked to penalise such vehicles during routine blocks," he said.