India's First Musical Road Inaugurated In Mumbai; Plays 'Jai Ho' For Motorists

Mumbai's motorists are experiencing something unique on the Coastal Road, where a 500-metre stretch has been designed to play the iconic Bollywood anthem "Jai Ho" when vehicles pass over it at a set speed. This innovative feature marks India's first "musical road," blending infrastructure with cultural creativity. The project was inaugurated by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who highlighted that the concept is based on Hungarian technology and could be replicated in other parts of the country. The initiative aims to enhance the driving experience while showcasing India's ability to adopt inventive global ideas into local contexts.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) developed this stretch on the northbound carriageway from Nariman Point towards Worli, naming it after Dharmaveer Swarajyarakshak Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Officials noted that the musical strips are embedded about 500 metres ahead in the first lane near the divider, just after vehicles exit the Worli-bound tunnel. When cars travel at speeds between 70 and 80 kmph, friction against the grooves generates sound waves that produce the melody of "Jai Ho," clearly audible inside the vehicle. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by J.BalVaibhav (@thebalvaibhav)

The idea of creating music through road engineering first emerged in Japan in 2007, when engineer Shizuo Shinoda discovered that grooves cut into asphalt could generate tones if vehicles passed over them at specific speeds. Since then, similar "melody roads" have appeared in countries including Hungary, South Korea, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates. 

Also Read: Mahindra Bolsters Aftersales Service In Delhi-NCR With Key Developments

How Does It Work?

The road has been specially engineered with rumble strips carved into the asphalt at calculated intervals and depths. As vehicles move across these grooves at the designated speed range of 70 to 80 kmph, the interaction between tyres and surface produces vibrations that recreate the tune of the Oscar-winning "Jai Ho," composed by A.R. Rahman for Slumdog Millionaire. To ensure motorists are prepared, the BMC has installed signboards at 500 metres, 100 metres, and 60 metres before the musical stretch, including inside the tunnel section.

मुंबई को मिली म्यूजिकल रोड -

CM फड़नवीस ने आज किया उद्घाटन, विदेशों के तर्ज पर मुंबई कोस्टल रोड को मेलोडी रोड में तब्दील किया गया !! pic.twitter.com/Uyf0diz5AJ

— Gaurav Singh Sengar (@sengarlive) February 11, 2026

Mumbai's installation is only the fifth worldwide and the first in India. The project was conceptualised by former MP Rahul Shewale, executed with technical input from Hungarian specialists, and commissioned by the BMC at a cost of Rs 6.21 crore. Officials explained that choosing "Jai Ho" was intended as a tribute to the nation, blending patriotism with an engaging driving experience.