Mumbai – In a first for India, a 500-metre stretch of the Mumbai Coastal Road now plays the iconic tune ‘Jai Ho’ when cars drive over it at the right speed. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated this special ‘Melody Road‘ today at 12:30 pm. The road lies on the northbound side, right after vehicles come out of the tunnel towards Worli.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) built this stretch using technology from Hungary. Special grooves cut into the asphalt work like musical notes. When a car goes at 70-80 kmph, the tyres vibrate and create the sound of A.R. Rahman’s Oscar-winning song from the film Slumdog Millionaire. Drivers can hear the music clearly even with windows closed.
This is the fifth musical road in the world. Japan, Hungary, South Korea and the UAE already have similar roads. Mumbai is the first city in India to try this idea.
The Inauguration Event
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and former Shiv Sena MP Rahul Shewale (who first thought of the idea) attended the event. Hungary’s Consul General was also present. Fadnavis drove over the stretch himself to experience the music.
Speaking at the inauguration, Fadnavis said, “For the first time in India, we have a melody road on the Coastal Road. It uses Hungarian technology. In the first phase, we have done 500 metres. If it works well, we will add more such stretches in future.”
Shinde called it a proud moment for Mumbai. He said the song ‘Jai Ho’ brings a feeling of patriotism and joy to daily travel.
Rahul Shewale, who suggested the project, thanked the BMC and Hungarian team for making it happen.
How the Musical Road Actually Works
The road has carefully cut grooves, also called rumble strips. These are not random. Engineers space them at exact distances. At the correct speed (70-80 kmph), the tyres hit the grooves and make vibrations. These vibrations turn into musical notes inside the car.
Each note needs a different gap between grooves. Closer gaps make higher notes; wider gaps make lower notes. The whole 500-metre section is tuned to play the main tune of ‘Jai Ho’.
Signboards inside the tunnel warn drivers 500m, 100m and 60m ahead. BMC says the sound works best in the first lane next to the divider.
The project cost Rs 6.21 crore (excluding GST). A Hungarian company did the technical work.
The Song ‘Jai Ho’ – Why This Tune?
‘Jai Ho’ is from the 2008 film Slumdog Millionaire. A.R. Rahman composed it, Gulzar wrote the lyrics. It won an Oscar for Best Original Song and a Grammy. The song means “Let victory be” and fills people with hope and energy.
BMC chose it because it celebrates India and Mumbai’s spirit. An official said, “It is a tribute to the nation. It will make people feel proud and happy while driving.”
Where Exactly Is This Musical Stretch?
The road is on the northbound carriageway of the Coastal Road (named after Dharmaveer Swarajyarakshak Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj). It starts about 500 metres after vehicles exit the tunnel coming from Nariman Point towards Worli. Some reports mention the area near Priyadarshini Park and Amarsons Garden (close to Breach Candy).
The full Coastal Road is 10.58 km long in this section. It has already cut travel time by 70% and fuel use by 34% for many commuters.
Musical Roads Around the World
Japan has the most – over 30 melody roads. One near Mount Fuji plays a folk song. Hungary has a road that plays a rock song in memory of a singer. South Korea once had one that played ‘Mary Had a Little Lamb’ to keep drivers awake (it is now covered). The UAE has a new one playing ‘Ode to Joy’ from Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony.
These roads started in Denmark in 1995. Most are made for safety (to remind drivers of speed) or tourism.
Why This Project? Benefits for Mumbai
Supporters say the musical road does three good things:
- It reminds drivers to keep the right speed (70-80 kmph is safe on this road).
- It makes the long drive less boring and reduces stress.
- It can bring more tourists who want to experience this unique thing.
Fadnavis said it gives a “delightful experience” to motorists.
Some People Have Questions
Not everyone is happy. Critics say Mumbai has big problems – traffic jams, pollution, potholes on other roads. Spending Rs 6.21 crore on music when basic fixes are needed feels wrong to some.
One social media user wrote, “First fix the traffic, then think of music on roads.” But BMC says this is a small pilot project and does not take away from other work.
What Next?
Fadnavis has already said more musical stretches may come if this one succeeds. Maybe other songs or other parts of Mumbai will get this treatment in future.
For now, thousands of Mumbaikars who use the Coastal Road every day will get a small surprise – the sound of ‘Jai Ho’ welcoming them as they head north.
FAQs
Q1: What is a musical road?
A musical road is a special stretch where grooves in the asphalt make a tune when cars drive over them at a fixed speed. The vibrations from the tyres create music you can hear inside the car.
Q2: Where is Mumbai’s musical road and how long is it?
It is on the northbound Coastal Road, about 500 metres after the tunnel exit towards Worli (near Priyadarshini Park/Amarsons Garden area). The musical part is exactly 500 metres long.
Q3: Which song does it play and at what speed?
It plays ‘Jai Ho’. You hear it clearly when you drive at 70-80 kmph (some reports say 60-80 kmph). Below or above that speed, it just sounds like normal rumble.
Q4: Can I hear it with windows closed?
Yes. The sound travels through the car body and is clear even with windows up.
Q5: How much did it cost?
Rs 6.21 crore (excluding GST). A Hungarian company did the special groove work.
Q6: Is this the first in India?
Yes. It is India’s first and the fifth in the world.
Q7: Who thought of this idea?
Former MP Rahul Shewale suggested it. The BMC and Hungarian experts made it real.
Q8: Will there be more such roads?
Chief Minister Fadnavis said yes, if this pilot works well.
Q9: Does it help safety?
Yes. It encourages drivers to maintain steady speed and stay alert. Rumble strips already warn drivers who drift off lane.
Q10: Can I try it today?
Yes. Anyone driving northbound on the Coastal Road at the right speed will hear it right away.