Drives me crazy: Mumbai residents plead for respite from ‘musical road’

The Guardian - World NewsEN 2 min read 100% complete by Penelope MacRae in DelhiFebruary 23, 2026 at 09:00 AM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

Residents of Mumbai's Breach Candy neighborhood are protesting the city's new "musical road" on the Coastal Road expressway, which plays the song "Jai Ho" when vehicles drive at a specific speed. Inaugurated in February as a safety measure to encourage slower driving, the road's grooves create vibrations that produce the tune. Over 650 families have filed a complaint, citing constant noise pollution from 6am to midnight as a significant disturbance. While officials defend the road as innovative and helpful for speed control, residents argue it's a distraction and a safety hazard, urging authorities to address other pressing concerns instead. The residents have requested the music be stopped.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Maharashtra ×240% Japan 40% Devendra Fadnavis 40% AR Rahman 40% Breach Candy 50% Slumdog Millionaire 50% Jai Ho ×370% Coastal Road 70% India ×380% Mumbai ×590%

Keywords

musical road 100% noise pollution 80% road safety 70% resident complaints 70% coastal road 60% speed control 60% engineering innovation 50% jai ho 50% auditory distraction 40%