Mumbai Unveils India's First Musical Road; 'Jai Ho' Plays as You Drive

Mumbai: A first-of-its-kind musical road that plays the tune of 'Jai Ho' when vehicles pass over it at a steady speed was officially unveiled on Wednesday.   

When was the musical road inaugurated?

The initiative was inaugurated on Wednesday by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, marking a unique blend of engineering innovation and cultural expression on the city's Coastal Road. 

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, "For the first time, we have come up with a melody road. It uses Hungarian technology and is a 500-metre stretch where music can be heard while driving. Based on its success, we will replicate it on other stretches as well."

What is a musical road?

The musical stretch has been created for motorists travelling from Nariman Point to Worli, immediately after vehicles emerge from the Coastal Road tunnel. 

Over a 500-metre section adjacent to the central divider, precisely cut grooves commonly known as rumble strips have been laid out.

When vehicles travel over these grooves at a speed of 70-80 kmph, the tune of Oscar-winning song 'Jai Ho' from the film Slumdog Millionaire can be heard inside the vehicle, not from speakers, but from the road itself.

How it works?

A series of rumble strips, 'Grooves', engineered at precise intervals and depths, have been carved into the asphalt. 

When a vehicle travels over them at 60-80 kmph, the friction between tyre and road produces vibrations. 

Those vibrations generate sound waves that, together, recreate the tune of Jai Ho,

According to authorities, the idea is to encourage disciplined driving while adding an element of surprise.

Why was 'Jai Ho' chosen?

'Jai Ho', the Oscar-winning song composed by A.R. Rahman, was selected for its wide appeal and energetic rhythm. Civic officials said the song represents celebration and positivity — emotions they hoped to associate with the new infrastructure project.

According to officials, the concept has been implemented on a 500-metre stretch in the first phase.

To ensure safety while driving, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has installed warning signboards at 500 m, 100 m and 60 m before the musical stretch, including inside the tunnel, so motorists can adjust their speed and enjoy the effect without abrupt braking.