The musical section on the Mumbai Coastal Road is meant to play the famous tune 'Jai Ho' when vehicles hit specially designed rumble strips at the right speed. While it aims to reward safe driving with music, the project has faced backlash from the local community with residents in the nearby crowded neighbourhoods voicing strong concerns, saying the feature has turned into a constant source of noise.
What was envisioned as an innovative road-safety feature is now drawing criticism from people living in the surrounding neighbourhoods, who say the daily sound has turned into a persistent disturbance rather than a pleasant melody.
Also Read | What turns Mumbai’s coastal drive into a road that sings ‘Jai Ho’?
Residents raise formal complaints
Local groups, including the Breach Candy ALM and the Breach Candy Residents Forum, have written to Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani seeking immediate intervention, reported Times Now. A copy of the grievance has also been sent to the Maharashtra Chief Minister's Office. Representing more than 650 families, residents claim the music plays from 6 am until midnight everyday, leaving little respite from the noise.
According to their letter, the sound enters homes as a "constant, muffled but intrusive background noise", prompting many households to keep windows shut throughout the day. Senior citizens, in particular, have reportedly expressed discomfort and fatigue from the prolonged exposure.
Safety and traffic concerns
Beyond noise, residents have highlighted potential road-safety risks linked to the musical stretch. They argue that drivers may become distracted while trying to hear the tune instead of focusing on traffic conditions. There are also concerns about sudden braking, as some motorists reportedly slow down deliberately to trigger the melody, increasing the possibility of collisions or pile-ups on a road designed for high-speed movement.
Also Read | Why are empty glass bottles hanging along the India-Pakistan border? Here’s the hidden reason
Noise levels and location issues
Community members say the initiative adds to an already loud urban environment filled with constant horn-honking and engine sounds. They believe amplified music is unnecessary, especially given the road's proximity to schools and hospitals where quieter surroundings are considered essential. The letter further notes that residents are "increasingly fatigued from repeatedly raising serious civic concerns, only to find attention focused on avoidable and non-essential interventions", while existing issues such as supercar noise remain unresolved.
Residents have urged authorities to review and discontinue the music feature, calling it disruptive to everyday life in the neighbourhood.
