India’s First Musical Road on Mumbai Coastal Road Plays ‘Jai Ho’: All Details About Melody Road Inaugurated in 2026
Mumbai’s Coastal Road has become home to India’s first musical road, a groundbreaking innovation where drivers can hear the iconic Bollywood song “Jai Ho” simply by maintaining the right speed. Inaugurated on February 11, 2026, this 500-metre stretch on the Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Coastal Road (also known as the Mumbai Coastal Road) uses specially designed rumble strips to produce the melody through tyre friction, marking a unique fusion of engineering, culture, and urban infrastructure.
This musical road project, executed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), is the first of its kind in India and only the fifth globally, following similar concepts in countries like Japan, South Korea, Hungary, and the UAE. The initiative not only adds a fun, patriotic element to daily commutes but also subtly promotes safer driving by encouraging consistent speeds.
What is India’s First Musical Road on Mumbai Coastal Road?
The musical road, often referred to as a “melody road” or “sangeet marg,” features precisely engineered grooves or rumble strips embedded into the road surface on a 500-metre section of the northbound lane. This stretch runs from Nariman Point towards Worli, specifically after exiting the underground tunnel near Priyadarshini Park and Amarsons Garden, close to Breach Candy.
When vehicles travel over these grooves at the optimal speed—typically reported as 60-80 kmph, with many sources highlighting 70-80 kmph for the clearest sound—the friction between the tyres and the road generates vibrations. These vibrations create sound waves that reproduce the triumphant notes of “Jai Ho“, the Oscar-winning track composed by A.R. Rahman for the film Slumdog Millionaire.
The technology relies on carefully calculated spacing, depth, and patterns of the grooves. Different intervals produce different pitches and rhythms, allowing the road to “play” a recognizable melody. Signboards have been strategically placed inside the tunnel at 500 metres, 100 metres, and 60 metres ahead to alert drivers and guide them to maintain the required speed for the full experience.
This innovative approach transforms a routine drive into an immersive, joyful moment, especially for Mumbaikars navigating the bustling Coastal Road.
Inauguration by Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis
On Wednesday, February 11, 2026, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis formally inaugurated the musical road stretch. He was joined by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, former Shiv Sena MP Rahul Shewale (who conceptualized and proposed the idea), BMC Additional Municipal Commissioner Dr. Avinash Dhakne, and other dignitaries.
During the event, CM Fadnavis and Deputy CM Shinde drove over the stretch to experience the melody firsthand. The Chief Minister praised the project as a pioneering effort using advanced technology (noted in some reports as Hungarian-origin) to blend innovation with cultural pride.
In his address, Fadnavis highlighted how this musical road on the Mumbai Coastal Road offers drivers a unique and pleasant experience. He announced that the initial 500-metre pilot would be evaluated for success, with plans to expand it to other sections of the Coastal Road in the future.
Deputy CM Eknath Shinde echoed the sentiment, inviting Mumbaikars to try the stretch by adhering to the specified speed. He revealed that the government is considering a similar pilot on the Samruddhi Expressway. Shinde emphasized the patriotic angle, stating that the musical road would strengthen national pride among residents, as “Jai Ho” evokes themes of victory and celebration.
How Does the Musical Road Work? The Science Behind “Jai Ho” on Wheels
The core mechanism is acoustic rumble strips—a proven concept where road grooves create audible feedback. In this case:
- Groove Design: Fixed intervals and measurements ensure the vibrations match the melody’s rhythm and pitch.
- Speed Dependency: The tune emerges clearly only at consistent speeds (around 60-80 kmph). Too slow or too fast distorts or silences it.
- Vehicle Experience: The sound is heard inside the car via vibrations transmitted through the chassis, even with windows closed.
- Safety Aspect: By requiring steady speed, it indirectly discourages erratic driving and promotes adherence to limits.
This is not mere gimmickry; similar “singing roads” in Japan (pioneered in 2007) have been used to alert drivers or promote tourism. Mumbai’s version stands out for choosing a culturally resonant, Oscar-winning patriotic song.
Broader Impact: Innovation in Road Construction and Tourism Boost
The launch of India’s first musical road sets a precedent for creative road engineering in the country. It demonstrates how infrastructure can incorporate entertainment, culture, and subtle behavioral nudges.
Officials view it as a step toward making the Mumbai Coastal Road—a 10.58-km marvel with tunnels, elevated sections, and scenic views—even more iconic. The project could attract tourists, social media buzz, and media attention, positioning Mumbai as a hub for innovative urban solutions.
Environmentally and practically, rumble strips already serve as speed-calming devices in many places. Here, they’ve been repurposed for melody without compromising road safety or durability.
Future expansions could feature different tunes on various stretches, potentially turning parts of Maharashtra’s highways into symphonies.
Why “Jai Ho”? A Symbol of Pride and Victory
Selecting “Jai Ho” is deliberate. The song, meaning “Let there be victory,” won an Academy Award and became a global symbol of triumph and unity. Playing it on Mumbai’s premier road infuses commutes with positivity and reinforces national spirit, aligning with the leaders’ comments on patriotism.
As Mumbai embraces this novelty, it invites residents and visitors to experience a drive unlike any other—one where the road itself celebrates success.
This musical road on Mumbai’s Coastal Road is more than infrastructure—it’s a melodic milestone that could inspire similar projects nationwide, blending technology, art, and everyday life in unexpected ways.
