The Mumbai Coastal Road on Wednesday officially got an addition of India`s first-ever ‘Melody Road’ that was inaugurated by Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and in presence of deputy CM Eknath Shinde.
Mumbai is reportedly only the fifth city in the world where this technology has been deployed so far.
The project was inaugurated on February 11, 2026 by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Member of Parliament Rahul Shewale.
Following the inauguration, CM Fadnavis, Shinde and others travelled along the stretch to experience the musical road themselves.
As vehicles pass over the specially designed 500-metre stretch at a set speed, the road plays the tune of ‘Jai Ho’, the popular song from the film Slumdog Millionaire.
Officials said, “This is the first musical road not only in Mumbai but also in the entire country. The initiative is seen as another innovative addition to the city’s infrastructure.”
When vehicles travel over these grooves at a speed of around 70 to 80 km/h, the tune of ‘Jai Ho’ from the film Slumdog Millionaire becomes audible inside the vehicle. The sound is produced by the friction between the tyres and the textured road surface.
To alert approaching drivers, signboards have been placed inside the tunnel at intervals of 500 metres, 100 metres and 60 metres before the musical stretch.
The rumble strips
The musical road has been developed using technology from Hungary. Here`s all about the 500-metre musical stretch India’s first-ever ‘Melody Road’ on the Coastal Road, officially known as the Dharmaveer Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Marg.
The officials said that the grooves, commonly referred to as rumble strips, have been installed at carefully measured and fixed intervals. The musical effect is created by the friction between the tyres and the road surface as vehicles pass over them.
To give motorists advance warning, signboards have been placed inside the tunnel at distances of 500 metres, 100 metres and 60 metres before the stretch.
Highly innovative
After the inauguration, Maharashtra CM Fadnavis said, “After seeing the response from the motorists, further more such innovations will be added.”
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde who was present during the unveiling of the newly introduced concept said, “The concept is highly innovative and is expected to inspire a sense of patriotism among citizens. He described the experience of hearing the tune while driving as unique and enjoyable.”
He added that the project currently covers around 500 metres but may be extended further in the future.
Shinde congratulated the Hungarian Consul General present at the event for supporting the initiative.
He also thanked MP Rahul Shewale for proposing the idea of introducing a melody road in Mumbai.
The state government expressed confidence that similar creative projects would continue to be introduced for the benefit and enjoyment of citizens.
