Mumbai Girl’s Suggestions To Mahindra On How To Curb Honking Makes Perfect Sense

There are rules in place against pressure horns and unnecessarily honking, but that largely remains on paper

By: Rakesh Jha |
April 5, 2019 3:04 pm

India is one of the few countries with vehicle honking on the higher side — from 93 decibel to 112 decibel. There are rules against pressure horns and unnecessarily honking, but that largely remains on paper. Even if you are stuck in a traffic jam, you will often find someone honking incessantly even if you’re rendered immobile in traffic.

An 11-year-old student from Mumbai is winning hearts for coming up with a fresh perspective on curbing incessant honking in our cities. Mahika Mishra wrote a letter to Mahindra group chairman Anand Mahindra suggesting an innovative idea to reduce honking. The letter impressed Mr Mahindra enough to share it with the internet.

Citing the futility of honking, Mahika wrote: “I go on many drives and I have noticed that many people honk unnecessarily – especially in traffic. They do not understand that honking does not make the vehicle move.”

She then suggested a creative way to end this menace.

“I have a suggestion that if you can only honk 5 times in 10 minutes and the honk will only last for 3 seconds. In this way the noise will be minimised. And our roads will be quieter.”

Impressed by her simple and logical approach to the problem, Mahindra shared the letter on Twitter and lauded Mahika for her virtuosity.

At the end of a tiring day, when you see something like this in the mail..the weariness vanishes…I know I’m working for people like her, who want a better-and quieter world! _ pic.twitter.com/lXsGLcrqlf

— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) April 3, 2019

Soon, the twitter folks followed and dubbed her as a ‘changemaker’

Absolutely fantastic idea coming from a 7th grader !!

— Chandan Sarkar (@Chandan47sarkar) April 4, 2019

This is a fantastic idea and thought. I think changemakers like you need to seriously consider implementing this

— Saji Kumar Krishnan (@sajik_krishnan) April 3, 2019

Brilliant idea brimming with commonsense. Could only come from a child. Would love to see your take if a honking frequency could be pre-set in cars.

— Harsh Kathuria (@Hershkathuria) April 3, 2019

lane discipline is very poor in our country specially in 2 wheeler riders. They feel overtaking is their birth right. Exceeding speed limit is thrill for many.

— SAMRITA__ (@4SMSamrita) April 3, 2019

Till it does get habitually ingrained, it should be mandated that the horn is fitted in such a way that its equally loud within the car as much as it is outside

— shogun_ (@equitycaller) April 4, 2019