India’s First Musical Road Debuts In Mumbai, Plays ‘Jai Ho’ As You Drive

Mumbai has added a melodic twist to urban infrastructure. In a first for India, a 500-metre stretch on the northbound lane of the Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Coastal Road now plays the iconic song ‘Jai Ho’ as vehicles drive over it at a specific speed.

The musical road was inaugurated on February 11, 2026, by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and senior officials.

Where Is The Musical Stretch?

The singing stretch is located:

On the northbound lane

From Nariman Point toward Worli

Just after motorists exit the coastal tunnel

Drivers maintaining the right speed will hear the Oscar-winning track Jai Ho, originally composed for the film Slumdog Millionaire.

How Does The Road ‘Sing’?

The concept is based on precision engineering.

Specially designed grooves (rumble strips) have been cut into the asphalt surface at calculated intervals. When vehicles travel over them at approximately 70–80 kmph, the vibrations between tyres and grooves generate sound waves. These sound waves blend into recognisable musical notes — creating the ‘Jai Ho’ melody.

Importantly:

✔ The sound is heard inside the vehicle cabin
✔ It does not create external noise pollution
✔ It encourages drivers to maintain a steady, safe speed

To ensure motorists don’t miss the experience, signboards have been placed 500 metres, 100 metres, and 60 metres before the stretch — including inside the tunnel — guiding drivers to adjust their speed accordingly.

Inspired By Global Innovation

Musical roads are not entirely new globally. Similar experiments have been carried out in:

• Hungary
• Japan
• South Korea
• UAE

However, this marks India’s first implementation of the concept on an urban coastal expressway.

The technology blends traffic calming, tourism appeal and engineering creativity, making it both a safety tool and a cultural attraction.

Coastal Road Gets A Cultural Upgrade

The Mumbai Coastal Road itself spans over 29 kilometres, dramatically reducing travel time between South Mumbai and the western suburbs.

With the addition of the musical stretch, the corridor now offers:

• Faster connectivity
• Improved traffic discipline
• A unique driving experience
• A cultural nod through one of India’s most globally recognised songs

Officials believe the initiative enhances road safety while adding a distinctive identity to Mumbai’s flagship infrastructure project.

FAQs

1. Where is India’s first musical road located?

On the northbound lane of the Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Coastal Road, just after the tunnel exit from Nariman Point towards Worli.

2. What speed is required to hear the music?

Drivers must maintain approximately 70–80 kmph.

3. Who inaugurated the musical road?

It was inaugurated by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, in the presence of Deputy CM Eknath Shinde.

4. Does the road create external noise?

No. The sound is designed to be audible primarily inside vehicles.

5. Are there similar roads globally?

Yes, musical roads exist in countries like Hungary, Japan, South Korea and the UAE.