India’s first musical road comes up in Mumbai; Check where is it and how to enjoy the tune of 'Jai Ho' while driving on this road

Mumbai has introduced India’s first “musical road”, a 500-metre stretch on the Coastal Road that plays the tune of ‘Jai Ho’ when vehicles pass over it within a specific speed range. The melody is audible only inside the vehicle and is not broadcast externally. The feature has been developed to encourage motorists to maintain safe driving speeds.

The stretch is located on the northbound lane from Nariman Point towards Breach Candy, just after the exit of the underground tunnel at Breach Candy. The musical installation runs along a 500-metre section adjacent to the road divider. The project has been implemented at a cost of Rs 7.5 crore.

How the musical effect is created

The effect is produced through specially designed grooves, or rumble strips, cut into the road surface. These grooves are laid at fixed intervals with precise measurements. When vehicles travel over them at a specific speed, vibrations are generated. The friction between the tyres and the grooves creates the tune inside the vehicle. The melody selected for the stretch is ‘Jai Ho’ from the film Slumdog Millionaire.

Driving guidelines

Motorists must maintain a speed between 70 and 80 kmph to hear the tune clearly. Signboards have been installed at 60 metres, 100 metres and 500 metres before the stretch. Advance signage along the route guides drivers to maintain a steady speed to experience the musical effect.

Musical roads around the world

Musical roads have been introduced in several countries, including Japan, Hungary, South Korea, the UAE, the United States, China, Iran, Russia and Turkey. The Mumbai installation uses internationally developed technology adapted to local conditions.