Mumbai coastal road set to be India’s first musical stretch, playing ‘Jai Ho’ for commuters

A stretch of the Mumbai Coastal Road will soon deliver a musical surprise for motorists, becoming India’s first road embedded with notes from a popular song. The feature aims to blend travel with entertainment along this key route.

Musical strips debut

From Nariman Point to Worli, special strips laid into the surface will produce the tune Jai Ho from the film Slumdog Millionaire. Drivers need only maintain 60 kmph or more to hear the melody clearly, even through closed windows.

This marks just the fifth musical road globally, using technology to turn tarmac into a soundscape. The traffic-free corridor enhances the experience with quicker journeys and now a dash of melody.

Coastal road project overview

Named Dharamveer Swarajya Rakshak Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Coastal Road, the 29.2 km route links Marine Lines in south Mumbai to Dahisar up north. Built at a cost of roughly ₹14,000 crore, it connects directly to the Bandra-Worli Sea Link.

The project tackles chronic congestion, slashing travel times from over two hours to about 40 minutes between south Mumbai and northern areas. Daily commuters stand to gain the most from smoother flows and reliable speeds.

Engineering and benefits

Authorities embedded the musical notes by varying gaps between ridges on the road surface. Each pattern triggers a specific sound under vehicle tyres, creating a full melody over a short distance. Tests confirm the effect works consistently at the right pace.

Beyond novelty, the road promises practical gains. It eases pressure on existing arterials, cuts fuel use through shorter routes, and boosts safety with dedicated lanes. The full network will transform mobility in India’s financial capital.

Regional impact expected

Mumbai drivers often face gridlock, but this corridor offers relief along the Arabian Sea shore. Linking key districts, it supports economic activity while the musical touch adds public appeal. Officials expect heavy use once open, cementing the road’s place in urban planning.