India’s First ‘Melody Road’ Opens on Mumbai Coastal Road, Plays ‘Jai Ho’ for Motorists

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde inaugurate musical stretch on Sambhaji Maharaj Coastal Road

In a first-of-its-kind initiative in India, a musical road has been inaugurated on the Dharmaveer, Swarajya Rakshak Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Coastal Road in Mumbai, offering motorists a unique auditory experience while driving.

The stretch, located on the northbound carriageway from Nariman Point towards Worli, was formally inaugurated on February 11, 2026, in the presence of Devendra Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde. The dignitaries experienced the innovation firsthand as they drove over the specially designed strips and listened to the iconic ‘Jai Ho’ tune from the film Slumdog Millionaire.

The project, developed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), is based on Hungarian technology and marks India’s first melody road, and the fifth such installation globally. Similar experiments have previously been conducted in Hungary, Japan, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates.

Under the concept, specially engineered grooves or rumble strips have been installed at calculated intervals across a 500-metre stretch. When vehicles travel over them at a speed between 60 to 80 kmph, vibrations created by tyre friction generate musical notes that collectively produce the tune of ‘Jai Ho’ inside the vehicle.

Chief Minister Fadnavis described the initiative as an innovative and joyful addition to Mumbai’s coastal infrastructure, stating that the government intends to explore similar installations in the future. Deputy CM Shinde said the musical stretch not only enhances the driving experience but also evokes a sense of patriotism and civic pride among commuters.

The idea for the project was conceptualised by former MP Rahul Shewale, and implemented as part of the broader development of the Mumbai Coastal Road.

Officials indicated that the concept may also be tested on other major highways, including the Samruddhi Mahamarg, on a pilot basis.

With this initiative, Mumbai joins a select group of global cities experimenting with interactive road infrastructure, blending engineering innovation with public engagement.