Drive right, hear ‘Jai Ho’: How musical effect is created on Mumbai’s Coastal Road

MUMBAI: The city now has 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 heard from inside the vehicle and is not externally broadcast. The feature has been designed to encourage driving at safe speeds.

Location of the stretch


Situated on the northbound lane from Nariman Point towards Breach Candy, just after the exit of the underground tunnel at Breach Candy. The musical installation is along a 500-metre stretch next to the road divider.

Cost: Rs 7.5 CRORE

How the musical effect is created

1. Special grooves (rumble strips) are cut into the road surface
2. Grooves are laid at fixed intervals with precise measurements
3. When vehicles travel at a specific speed, vibrations are generated
4. Friction between tyres and grooves produces the tune inside the vehicle
5. The melody played is ‘Jai Ho’ from Slumdog Millionaire

Driving guidelines

To hear the tune clearly, motorists must maintain a speed of: 70–80 kmph

Signboards have been placed before the stretch at:

• 60 metres
• 100 metres
• 500 metres

Advance signage along the route guides motorists to maintain a steady speed for the effect

Such roads abroad

Musical roads exist in several countries, including:

Japan | Hungary (pioneer in the field) | South Korea | UAE | United States | China | Iran | Russia | Turkey

The Mumbai concept uses internationally developed technology adapted for local conditions

“This is the first time such a road has been introduced in India using Hungarian technology. I thank the Consulate General of Hungary for their support” – CM Devendra Fadnavis

“I heard the Jai Ho tune clearly. We plan to expand this concept further” – Dr CY Mhaiskar