PC(Indianbanker.com, NDTV )
Drive to the Beat: ‘Jai Ho’ Plays from the Road Itself as Mumbai Unveils Melody Magic.
The Surprise Melody on Mumbai’s Iconic Coastal Road.
Commuters zipping along the north-bound arm of the Coastal Road from Nariman Point to Worli are in for a pleasant surprise – the road itself is now playing the iconic tune “Jai Ho”!
India’s First ‘Musical Road’ Comes Alive.
In a groundbreaking first for India, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has installed special “musical strips” – precisely engineered grooves or rumble strips on a 500-metre section of the carriageway, roughly 500 metres ahead of the first lane near the median, just after emerging from the underground tunnel.
How the Road Actually Sings ‘Jai Ho’.
As vehicles cruise over these grooves at the optimal speed of 70-80 kmph, the friction between the tyres and the road surface generates vibrations that transform into sound waves, recreating the unmistakable melody of “Jai Ho” – the Oscar-winning anthem composed by A.R. Rahman for Slumdog Millionaire. The tune is clearly audible inside the vehicle, turning an everyday drive into a rhythmic, joyful experience.
From a Japanese Bulldozer to Mumbai’s Streets.
The innovative concept traces its roots to Japan in 2007, when engineer Shizuo Shinoda accidentally discovered the sound-generating effect while operating a bulldozer on a grooved road surface. What began as a serendipitous find has evolved into “melody roads” worldwide, and Mumbai’s version marks the country’s debut of this quirky engineering marvel.
Smart Signage Keeps Drivers in Tune.
To ensure drivers are prepared and maintain the right speed, the civic body has erected prominent signboards at 500 metres, 100 metres, and 60 metres ahead of the stretch – all positioned inside the tunnel to alert motorists well in advance.
Engineering Meets Bollywood Magic.
A senior civic official described the project as “a perfect blend of modern engineering and cultural expression,” adding a touch of Bollywood flair to Mumbai’s iconic Coastal Road.
A New Rhythm for Mumbai Commuters.
With this installation, the city not only enhances the commuting experience but also celebrates innovation in infrastructure. So next time you’re heading towards Worli, keep your windows down, maintain a steady speed and let the road serenade you with “Jai Ho”!