City Police Destroy 142 Modified Silencers in Crackdown on Traffic Violations
The city police on Tuesday destroyed 142 modified motorcycle silencers seized during special enforcement drives conducted over the past few months, sending a strong warning to motorists involved in illegal vehicle modifications and reckless riding.
Addressing a press conference, Commissioner of Police Shankabratha Bagchi said the action was taken following repeated complaints from citizens, including women, senior citizens, and people with heart ailments, regarding excessive noise and air pollution caused by modified exhaust systems.
He said several riders were removing company-fitted silencers from high-end motorcycles and replacing them with unauthorised exhaust systems that produce loud noise and emit excessive smoke, causing public inconvenience.
The Commissioner also noted that the use of high-beam headlights by some motorists was creating visibility issues for oncoming traffic and increasing the risk of night-time accidents. He added that mobile phone holders fitted on two-wheelers were also a safety concern, as they distract riders from the road and contribute to accidents.
As part of a special traffic enforcement drive launched on January 1, 2026, the police seized and destroyed 142 modified silencers. They also removed 89 high-beam lights from cars and auto-rickshaws and 270 mobile phone holders from two-wheelers.
The CP said strict action was being taken against illegal bike racing on Beach Road and other stretches in the city. As part of the crackdown, 73 motorcycles involved in racing and reckless riding were seized. Cases were registered against the riders, and recommendations were sent to the Deputy Transport Commissioner (Visakhapatnam) for suspension of their driving licences.
He added that the enforcement drive would continue to strengthen road safety and discipline, while warning motorists against illegal modifications and dangerous riding practices.
On the occasion, Mr. Bagchi also distributed 450 summer kits containing ORS packets, caps, sunglasses, and water bottles to traffic police personnel on duty. The kits were funded by ₹6.75 lakh sanctioned by Director General of Police Harish Kumar Gupta.