Lucknow: Lucknow police have widened their campaign against illegally modified motorcycle silencers, signalling that enforcement will now extend beyond riders to include workshops and retailers suspected of making, stocking or selling high-decibel exhaust systems.In a joint drive by the traffic police and the assistant regional transport office (ARTO), teams checked vehicles across key stretches, including Shaheed Path, the G20 Road, the Green Corridor and the Marine Drive route, where residents have repeatedly complained of loud motorcycles during early morning and late-night hours. Officials seized multiple two-wheelers fitted with altered exhausts, citing violations of motor vehicle norms and noise pollution rules.The operation also marked a sharper turn towards targeting the supply chain. In what officials described as a first-of-its-kind action in recent months, a shop allegedly involved in selling illegal modified silencers was fined ₹1 lakh, and several exhaust units were seized from its premises.“The focus is now on both demand and supply. Riders using such modifications and businesses facilitating them will face action,” said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Raveena Tyagi.Accessory markets and fitting points in Lalbagh, Naka, Indiranagar, Kaiserbagh and Transport Nagar have long been associated with the trend, with traders saying younger riders often request specific exhaust “notes” commonly marketed as crackling, popping or bullet-like sounds. Aftermarket sources estimate 50%-60 such units are sold each month in Lucknow through accessory shops, local fabrication units and online platforms.A shop owner in Naka, Tushar Raj, said sellers have become cautious following the crackdown. “We were selling it till last week, but after the crackdown, we have stopped selling aftermarket modified silencers, though they remain high on online mediums,” he said.Prices vary depending on build and branding. Locally fabricated units typically range from ₹1,500 to ₹5,000, while imported or premium exhaust systems can cost ₹10,000 to ₹40,000 or more.Mohammed Ayub, a mechanical engineer at an automobile factory, said illegal silencers are usually created by removing or altering internal noise-reducing parts. “Standard silencers contain chambers, baffles and sound-absorbing materials that reduce exhaust noise and emissions. Modified versions often have these components removed or replaced with straight-through pipes to amplify sound,” he said. Other methods include drilling holes, removing catalytic components or changing baffle systems, which may also affect emissions compliance and vehicle performance.Traffic officials said riders often rev engines in crowded areas, causing sudden blasts of noise that disturb the public and can startle pedestrians and motorists. The permissible limit under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules and environmental norms is 80 decibels; anything above it can attract a penalty of ₹10,000, officials said.Traffic officials said riders often rev engines in crowded areas, causing sudden blasts of noise that disturb the public and can startle pedestrians and motorists. The permissible limit under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules and environmental norms is 80 decibels; anything above it can attract a penalty of ₹10,000, officials said.
