Mumbai’s newly opened melody road on the Coastal Road is facing backlash just two days after its inauguration. Residents of Breach Candy have written to Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, calling
the constant musical vibrations a major disturbance. A copy of the complaint has also been sent to the Maharashtra Chief Minister’s Office.
The local residents’ forum, representing over 650 families, said the tune plays daily from 6am to midnight, adding to the existing traffic noise. They have demanded that the BMC discontinue the musical stretch. The civic body is yet to respond.
What do we know about the musical road?
The musical stretch is designed to play the tune ‘Jai Ho’ when vehicles strike precision rumble strips at the correct speed. It was meant to reward safe driving. However, residents in nearby densely populated neighbourhoods say it has become a constant disturbance.
In their letter, the Breach Candy ALM and the Breach Candy Residents Forum said the amplified sound enters homes as a constant, muffled but intrusive background noise. Many residents are keeping windows shut. Senior citizens have reportedly expressed serious discomfort.
Safety concerns raised
Residents said the northbound side of the road is meant for fast-moving traffic. They argue that drivers are getting distracted by listening to the music instead of focusing on the road. Some drivers are slowing down suddenly to hear the tune, which could lead to high-speed crashes or pile-ups.
‘It’s just too noisy’
The community said Mumbai already faces constant horn-honking and engine noise. They believe adding amplified music is unnecessary and worsens the noise problem.
They also pointed out that the music plays near schools and hospitals, where peace and quiet are important for health and learning. The letter said residents are increasingly fatigued from raising serious civic concerns while avoidable and non-essential interventions receive attention. It added that the deafening noise from speeding supercars on the Coastal Road remains unaddressed.
Residents have urged the civic administration to immediately review and discontinue the music initiative, calling it disruptive to daily life in the neighbourhood.
