Mumbai Unveils India’s First ‘Musical Road’ on Coastal Road

Mumbai has introduced India’s first-ever melody road, a special stretch that plays the famous song “Jai Ho” as vehicles pass over it at a fixed speed. The project was inaugurated by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on the city’s Coastal Road.

The musical stretch is located on the northbound carriageway between Nariman Point and Worli, just after vehicles exit the Coastal Road tunnel.

How the Musical Road Works

The melody road works through precisely cut grooves (rumble strips) on the surface.

• When vehicles drive at 70–80 km/h, the tyres create vibrations.
• These vibrations produce musical notes.
• Over a 500-metre stretch, the tune of “Jai Ho” from the movie Slumdog Millionaire can be heard.

Officials say the sound can even be heard inside cars with closed windows.

Safety Measures by BMC

The project was commissioned by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) at an estimated cost of ₹6.21 crore.

To ensure safety:

• Warning boards are placed 500 m, 100 m, and 60 m before the stretch.
• Signboards are also installed inside the tunnel.
• Drivers are advised to maintain a steady speed to enjoy the music safely.

Authorities say the feature may also help in reducing sudden braking and improving traffic flow.

Global Background

The concept of a melody road was first discovered in Japan in 2007 by engineer Shizuo Shinoda. Since then, similar roads have been built in:

• Japan
• Hungary
• South Korea
• United Arab Emirates

Mumbai’s installation is said to be among the few such projects globally and the first in India. The technology used is inspired by Hungarian engineering techniques.

Significance of the Project

The Mumbai Coastal Road is a 10.5 km-long major infrastructure project, reducing travel time between South Mumbai and western suburbs. The addition of the melody stretch blends engineering innovation with cultural expression.

Officials say the choice of “Jai Ho” aims to promote patriotism and create a joyful driving experience.

If successful, similar musical roads may be developed in other Indian cities.

Here are exam-oriented MCQs

Q1. India’s first-ever ‘musical road’ has been inaugurated in which city?
(a) New Delhi
(b) Bengaluru
(c) Mumbai
(d) Hyderabad
(e) Chennai

Q2. The musical stretch on Mumbai’s Coastal Road plays which iconic song for motorists driving at a fixed speed?
(a) Vande Mataram
(b) Jai Ho
(c) Maa Tujhe Salaam
(d) Ae Watan
(e) Chak De India

Q3. The ‘Jai Ho’ tune featured on the melody road is originally from which film?
(a) Lagaan
(b) Rang De Basanti
(c) Swades
(d) Slumdog Millionaire
(e) Dangal

Q4. The musical stretch has been developed on approximately how many metres of the Coastal Road?
(a) 300 metres
(b) 400 metres
(c) 500 metres
(d) 750 metres
(e) 1 kilometre

Q5. At what approximate speed must vehicles travel to clearly hear the melody on the Mumbai Coastal Road?
(a) 40–50 km/h
(b) 50–60 km/h
(c) 60–70 km/h
(d) 70–80 km/h
(e) 80–90 km/h

Q6. The musical road project was commissioned by which civic body?
(a) Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority
(b) National Highways Authority of India
(c) Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation
(d) Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
(e) Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation

Q7. The technology used in Mumbai’s melody road is inspired by which country’s engineering model?
(a) Japan
(b) Germany
(c) Hungary
(d) South Korea
(e) United Arab Emirates