Imagine driving to work, windows slightly down, the sea breeze drifting in — and suddenly, your tyres begin to hum a familiar tune.
That’s now a reality in Mumbai.
A stretch of the Mumbai Coastal Road has been transformed into India’s first “musical road.” As cars glide over specially carved grooves on the surface, the vibrations create the melody of ‘Jai Ho’ — the globally loved anthem from Slumdog Millionaire.
Yes, the road actually sings.
A Song Beneath Your Wheels
The technology is deceptively simple. Engineers have etched precise rumble strips into the asphalt. When vehicles pass over them at a steady, designated speed, the friction between the tyre and road produces musical notes. Stay within the speed limit, and the tune plays clearly. Speed up or slow down too much, and the melody fades into noise.
It’s clever. It’s subtle. And it gently nudges drivers to maintain safer speeds.
Why ‘Jai Ho’?
The choice feels intentional — a song that became a global celebration of Indian spirit. Composed by A. R. Rahman, ‘Jai Ho’ carries a sense of triumph and pride. Hearing it emerge from beneath your wheels adds an unexpectedly emotional layer to an otherwise routine commute.
For a city that rarely slows down, this stretch of road asks you to do exactly that — maintain rhythm, maintain pace.
More Than a Gimmick
Musical roads have appeared in countries like Japan and the U.S., often as a creative way to improve road safety. Mumbai’s version blends infrastructure with imagination, turning a public utility into an experience.
And in a city known for its constant honking and hurried drives, there’s something poetic about the road offering music instead of noise.
For a few seconds, traffic feels less chaotic. The commute feels lighter. The city feels playful.
Mumbai doesn’t just move anymore.
It sings. 🎶
