Vehicle modification taken lightly in Andhra Pradesh

Visakhapatnam: The provision under the Motor Vehicles Act, that prohibits any modification to the basic features of a vehicle, is being flouted by many motorcycle riders in Andhra Pradesh. The Road Transport authorities are mute spectators to all this.

The monitoring of ‘vehicle remodeling’ has now become necessary, with more vehicle users, especially youngsters, opting for ‘modification fixing silencers’ which produce a loud sound. Also being added are fancy, non-standardised handle bars, high seats without any pillion handle, headlights and the removal of all mudguards. These modifications not only put the safety of riders at risk, but endanger the general public,  and disturb the peace of neighbourhoods, causing noise pollution.

So far, there hasn’t been any instance of the RTA or the Traffic police taking action against any bike owner for making improper changes to their vehicles.

Vehicle remodeling shops and exclusive spare parts shops are mushrooming in the major cities of the state due to their growing demand.

When mechanical engineers of a few bike showrooms in the city were asked about the impact of such modifications, they told us that bikes are manufactured keeping in mind the technical and safety aspects.

For instance, changing the silencer would damage the engine and the customised handle distributes the equilibrium of the vehicle and could lead to accidents.  

“The noise limit for two-wheelers is 80 dB, but the loud silencer that’s fitted emanates a thunderous and deafening sound which could cause health problems. The concerned authorities need to take up a drive immediately to put an end to the menace of bike modification,” said  APPCB Environment engineer (Vizag) R. Lakshminarayana.   

A mechanic, M Nageshrao, who remodels two-wheelers at Dabagardens in Vizag, said that at least 50 high-end bike owners drop in every month to customise their bikes.

“It has turned into a fashion trend,” he added.    

Deputy Transport officer S. Venkateswara Rao said, “Bike modifications were rare earlier, but are now increasing at an alarming rate with different kinds of modifications being made to vehicles. We will conduct a special drive and seize such vehicles violating Section 52 of the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988.”