Despite restrictions on vehicle alterations, several drivers in Bengaluru modify their vehicles and ride them. These vehicle modifications are responsible for road accidents and noise pollution.
Despite restrictions on vehicle alterations, several drivers in Bengaluru modify their vehicles and ride them. These vehicle modifications are responsible for road accidents and noise pollution.
Sajjan R, an ex-motor mechanic residing near Shivajinagar, informed The Observer: “Youth want to make their vehicles look fancy. They customize their vehicles in such a manner that they can attract attention. Especially in bikes, sound is the best way to draw attention. Though this is illegal, garages make a good profit from installations. There are a few garages in Karnataka that sell illegal or stolen parts. But people step into trouble when they decide to ride modified vehicles without getting permission from the RTO. Some riders are so desperate that they purchase bikes simply to modify them.”
Motorcycles like KTM, Royal Enfield, RX 150 (two-stroke) and Kawasaki are customized to produce loud sounds and exhaust crackles. Though the sound limit for two-wheelers is 80 dB and 75 dB for four-wheelers, riders attach exhaust pipes that produce sound louder than 80-85 dB. Customization of car engines to enhance the performance of the engine is another problem.
Dilip G, a student who owns a KTM RC390, said: “I don’t have any noticeable installations on my bike, though I had the headlights and the muffler of the exhaust modified. I don’t think these matter. The police stop bikers randomly and not when they are actually at fault. I don’t take my bike any further than Kengeri as I do not have permission from the RTO. I believe I have the right to modify it any way I like.”
People get parts attached that make the vehicles heavy, causing them to go off-balance. Exhaust pipes that produce loud noise almost touch the road. Riders of bikes with such attachments are at great risk when they negotiate speed breakers. There is a danger of the pipe touching the road or even getting detached.
Shivaswamy S, chief warden of traffic, Kengeri, said, “In Bengaluru city, the problem might not be very notable, but it is a serious issue in the outskirts. Modified parts, like bright LED lights, make it risky for other riders. They increase chances of road accidents. Illegal customizations are among the main reasons for driving offences by juvenile increasing.”
According to Section 190 (2) of the Motor Vehicles Act, “Any person who drives, or causes or allows to be driven, in any public place a motor vehicle which violates the standards prescribed in relation to road safety, control of noise and air pollution, shall be punishable for the first offence with a fine of Rs 1,000 and for any second or subsequent offence with a fine of Rs 2,000.”
An architecture student from the BGS International Residential School was pulled over by police for having the muffler of his exhaust removed. “It happened near the Rajarajeshwari College of Engineering. My bike was not very heavily modified, but I had to pay a fine of Rs 2,700. Traffic police asked me to reattach the muffler,” he informed The Observer.
Sandeep Anirudhan, an environmental activist, said: “Many people feel nauseated and some experience a blackout due to the noise caused by honking and crackles from bike silencers. The most affected are those who travel long distances. Heart diseases are common among these people.”
chirag.d@iijnm.org
