Mumbai has unveiled India’s first-ever musical road on a section of the Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Coastal Road, where motorists hear the tune of “Jai Ho” from Slumdog Millionaire as they drive over a specially engineered stretch at a designated speed. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the 500-metre experimental stretch, which was conceptualised by former MP Rahul Shewale and developed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). When vehicles travel over the grooves at about 70–80 km/h, the friction-induced vibrations produce sound waves that recreate the song inside the vehicle. This innovation is the fifth musical road in the world and the first in India.
How the Musical Road Works
Rumble Strips/Grooves: Specially cut grooves (also called rumble strips) are laid on the road surface at precise intervals and depths.
Sound Generation: When car tyres pass over these grooves at around 70–80 km/h, the pattern of vibrations produces specific frequencies that form the melody of “Jai Ho.”
Warning Signage: To ensure safety, signboards are installed at 500 m, 100 m, and 60 m before the musical stretch to inform drivers to adjust speed.
Tribute Choice: The song “Jai Ho”, composed by A.R. Rahman with lyrics by Gulzar, won the Academy Award for Best Original Song—a cultural symbol chosen to evoke national pride.
About Modified Road Technology
Origin: The concept of musical or “melody” roads originated in Japan in 2007, when engineer Shizuo Shinoda discovered that grooves cut into roads could produce musical tones at certain speeds.
Global Examples: Similar roads now exist in countries including Japan, Hungary, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates.
Mumbai Coastal Road Project
Name: Dharmaveer Swarajyarakshak Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Marg.
Purpose: A major infrastructure corridor to reduce traffic congestion and provide a high-speed urban expressway connecting South Mumbai to the Western suburbs.
Benefits: Reduces travel time significantly, enhances connectivity and is a key part of urban mobility planning in Mumbai.
Innovation Meets Culture
This project blends infrastructure and cultural expression—using engineering precision to play a famous Indian song and enhance the commuter experience.
The move reflects a trend in urban infrastructure to introduce creative and sensory elements alongside traditional utility.
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
