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12 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu
3 min
Science & TechnologyNEWS

Mumbai Coastal Road: India's First 'Musical Path' Plays 'Jai Ho'

Mumbai's Coastal Road features rumble strips that play 'Jai Ho' when driven over.

Mumbai's Coastal Road has become India's first 'musical path' with special rumble strips that play the tune of 'Jai Ho' when vehicles drive over them at 60-80 kmph. Maharashtra officials inaugurated the stretch, noting it's the fifth such road globally. The rumble strips are embedded in the northbound carriageway of the Coastal Road. Signboards alert motorists about the required speed. The technology is based on a Hungarian concept.

Key Facts

1.

Mumbai's Coastal Road features India's first 'musical path'.

2.

The musical path plays the tune of 'Jai Ho'.

3.

The rumble strips are embedded in the northbound carriageway.

4.

Vehicles must travel at 60-80 kmph to activate the music.

5.

Signboards alert motorists about the required speed.

6.

The technology is based on a Hungarian concept.

7.

This is the fifth such road in the world.

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper 3: Infrastructure development and its impact on the economy

2.

GS Paper 3: Science and Technology - Innovations in transportation

3.

Potential for questions on innovative infrastructure projects and their socio-economic impact

Visual Insights

Mumbai Coastal Road 'Musical Path'

Map showing the location of Mumbai Coastal Road, India's first 'musical path'.

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📍Maharashtra
More Information

Background

The concept of musical roads, also known as melodic roads or singing roads, is a relatively recent innovation. While the Mumbai Coastal Road is India's first, the idea originated elsewhere. These roads use rumble strips, which are grooves cut into the road surface, to create a musical note when a vehicle's tires pass over them at a specific speed. The first musical road was created in Denmark in 1995 by two artists, Steen Krarup Jensen and Jakob Freud-Magnus, as an artistic experiment. Called the Asphaltophone, it used raised bars instead of grooves. The concept gained popularity and spread to other countries, including Japan, South Korea, and the United States. These roads are often tourist attractions, adding a unique sensory experience to driving. The implementation of musical roads involves careful calculation and engineering. The spacing and depth of the rumble strips are precisely determined to produce the desired musical notes at the target speed. Factors such as tire size, vehicle weight, and road surface material can affect the sound produced. Signboards are typically installed to inform drivers of the required speed to play the tune correctly. The Mumbai Coastal Road's adoption of this technology showcases India's growing interest in innovative infrastructure solutions.

Latest Developments

While the Mumbai Coastal Road marks a novel application of musical road technology in India, broader trends in infrastructure development are also noteworthy. The focus on sustainable and eco-friendly construction practices is increasing. This includes using recycled materials, reducing carbon emissions during construction, and minimizing environmental impact.

Smart transportation systems are also gaining traction. These systems use technology to improve traffic flow, enhance safety, and provide real-time information to commuters. Examples include intelligent traffic signals, automated toll collection, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). The integration of these technologies aims to create more efficient and user-friendly transportation networks.

Looking ahead, infrastructure development in India is expected to continue at a rapid pace. The government has set ambitious targets for expanding road networks, railways, and airports. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are likely to play a significant role in financing these projects. The focus will be on creating high-quality infrastructure that supports economic growth and improves the quality of life for citizens.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the key facts about Mumbai's Coastal Road 'musical path' that are important for UPSC Prelims?

For UPSC Prelims, remember that Mumbai's Coastal Road has India's first 'musical path'. The tune played is 'Jai Ho'. Vehicles must travel at 60-80 kmph to activate the music. The rumble strips are on the northbound carriageway.

Exam Tip

Focus on the location (Mumbai Coastal Road), the tune ('Jai Ho'), and the speed (60-80 kmph). These are easy to remember and likely to be tested.

2. What is a 'musical road' and what is the basic concept behind it?

A 'musical road' uses rumble strips, which are grooves cut into the road surface, to create a musical note when a vehicle's tires pass over them at a specific speed. The Mumbai Coastal Road's musical path plays 'Jai Ho' when vehicles travel at 60-80 kmph.

Exam Tip

Understand the basic mechanism: grooves (rumble strips) + speed = music. This helps in understanding similar technological innovations in infrastructure.

3. What are the potential advantages and disadvantages of implementing 'musical roads' in India?

Potential advantages include increased driver alertness and novelty, which could reduce accidents. Disadvantages include noise pollution in residential areas and the cost of implementation and maintenance. Also, the effectiveness might diminish over time as the novelty wears off.

Exam Tip

Consider both the practical and environmental aspects when evaluating the pros and cons. Think about noise pollution, cost-effectiveness, and long-term impact.

4. Why is the Mumbai Coastal Road 'musical path' in the news recently?

The Mumbai Coastal Road 'musical path' is in the news because it is India's first such installation. It's a new application of rumble strip technology to create a musical experience for drivers, inaugurated by Maharashtra officials.

Exam Tip

Remember that it represents a novel approach to road safety and driver engagement, aligning with broader trends in smart infrastructure.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Mumbai Coastal Road: 1. It is India's first 'musical path'. 2. The musical rumble strips play the tune of 'Vande Mataram'. 3. The rumble strips are embedded in the southbound carriageway. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 only
  • B.2 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The Mumbai Coastal Road is indeed India's first 'musical path'. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: The rumble strips play the tune of 'Jai Ho', not 'Vande Mataram'. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: The rumble strips are embedded in the northbound carriageway, not the southbound carriageway. The news article explicitly mentions this.

2. The 'musical path' concept, as implemented in Mumbai's Coastal Road, is based on which country's concept?

  • A.Japan
  • B.South Korea
  • C.Hungary
  • D.Denmark
Show Answer

Answer: C

The news article explicitly states that the technology used in Mumbai's Coastal Road is based on a Hungarian concept. While other countries like Japan, South Korea, and Denmark have musical roads, the specific concept used in Mumbai is Hungarian.

3. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding rumble strips used in 'musical roads' like the one in Mumbai?

  • A.They are grooves cut into the road surface.
  • B.They produce musical notes when vehicles drive over them at a specific speed.
  • C.The spacing and depth are precisely determined to produce desired musical notes.
  • D.They are designed to function optimally at speeds exceeding 120 kmph.
Show Answer

Answer: D

Options A, B, and C are correct descriptions of rumble strips used in musical roads. Option D is incorrect because the Mumbai Coastal Road's rumble strips are designed to function optimally at speeds of 60-80 kmph, as mentioned in the news article, not exceeding 120 kmph.

Source Articles

India gets first ‘musical path’; Mumbai’s Coastal Road plays ‘Jai Ho’ for motorists - The Hindu

The Hindu·12 Feb 2026

Broadway musicals reach India - The Hindu

The Hindu·12 Feb 2026

Mixing and mastering Mumbai’s music - The Hindu

The Hindu·12 Feb 2026

Exploring Mumbai’s musical past - The Hindu

The Hindu·12 Feb 2026

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