Mumbai’s ‘Musical Road’ Silenced at Night After Resident Complaints

BMC restricts traffic on Breach Candy stretch as ‘Jai Ho’ tune disrupts locals’ sleep

Mumbai: Mumbai’s much-publicised “musical road” project has been partially halted after residents complained about constant noise disturbing their daily lives.

Over a month after its launch, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to shut the stretch during night hours following repeated concerns from people living in Breach Candy. Residents said the sound produced by vehicles passing over the road was affecting their sleep, especially late at night.

The Breach Candy Advanced Locality Management (ALM) had written to authorities seeking immediate action. Responding to the complaints, the BMC has now barricaded the road at night to reduce noise disturbance.

Officials stated that although earlier checks showed the sound levels were within permissible limits, the decision was taken considering public discomfort. Authorities also indicated that the road may be reopened only on specific days or weekends in the future.

The 500-metre experimental stretch, launched on February 11 by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, is located on the coastal road between Nariman Point and Worli. Designed with special rumble strips, the road plays the tune of “Jai Ho” when vehicles pass over it at speeds of 60–80 kmph.

While the concept was seen as innovative and similar to projects in other countries, it did not go well with nearby residents. Many said the sound echoed across several buildings, making it difficult to rest.

Residents have welcomed the move, calling it a relief and saying it has restored peace in the neighbourhood.