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

The Guardian World

by Penelope MacRae in Delhi

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Residents of Mumbai’s upscale neighborhood are facing a unique yet vexing challenge: a "musical road" that plays the pulsating tune *Jai Ho* from the movie *Slumdog Millionaire* as vehicles drive over it. Installed on the Coastal Road seafront expressway, this innovative safety feature aims to alert drivers to slower speed zones by creating rhythmic vibrations in the road surface. However, for those living near the highway, the constant, invasive noise has turned their daily lives into a sonic nightmare, raising concerns about noise pollution and quality of life. The concept behind the musical road is rooted in safety, designed to reduce accidents by encouraging drivers to slow down through auditory cues. While the idea is innovative, residents argue that the relentless beat disrupts their peace, making it difficult to concentrate or relax. Environmentalists and urban planners are now questioning whether such experimental measures, while effective in theory, may have unintended consequences for nearby communities. The debate highlights a growing tension between technological innovation and community well-being. This issue also underscores broader challenges in urban planning and infrastructure development. As cities strive to adopt creative solutions to traffic safety, the potential impact on residents must be carefully considered. Advocacy groups are calling for stricter regulations on noise pollution, emphasizing the need to balance public safety with the rights of those living near highways. The Mumbai case serves as a reminder that even well-intentioned innovations can have negative side effects if not implemented thoughtfully. For readers interested in global urban development and innovation, this story offers insights into the complexities of modern infrastructure projects. It raises important questions about how cities can innovate while addressing the needs of all stakeholders, including residents who may be directly affected by new technologies. The musical road experiment, while intriguing, ultimately highlights the need for a more nuanced approach to balancing progress with community welfare.

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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/23/2026