Mumbai Musical Road Shuts Down After 650+ Families Complain
Finally, after getting hundreds of complaints, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to put an end to the menace created by Mumbai’s first musical road. The BMC has barricaded the “Jai Ho” rhythm-playing road just over a month after its inauguration. This particular move has taken place after several families staying in Breach Candy, a high-end residential area along the Coastal Road, complained that they did not have any peace due to the constant playing of the song.
Last time, we reported that a number of residents formally wrote to the Municipal Commissioner and raised concerns about continuous noise disturbance. Now, it has been reported that the road has been barricaded, and the ridges that play the tune have not been removed. The authorities have indicated the closure is temporary, and there is a possibility of reopening it only on weekends or special occasions.
For those who may have forgotten, the road plays “Jai Ho” from Slumdog Millionaire when vehicles pass over it. Now, for those who have to travel on that road once or twice a day, it is a lovely moment. However, those staying nearby have complained that they have to hear the noise 24/7 and have been listening to it for over a month.
Residents of the Breach Candy area have also highlighted that the sound echoes into more than 25 residential buildings, and it causes difficulty in resting, especially for senior citizens and families at night. These residents have described the sound as “constant, intrusive background noise.” As a result of the constant sound, many people had to keep their windows shut to block it.
As per the reports, over 650 families, represented by Breach Candy ALM and the Breach Candy Residents Forum (BCRF), filed a formal complaint to the BMC. They also complained to the Chief Minister’s Office. The complaint stated that the project caused “significant distress.” It added that the road served “no essential public necessity.” Also, the residents emphasized that the installation should not be located in dense residential zones.
Initially, the BMC asked the contractors to measure decibel levels at the nearest buildings. It was then noted that the noise levels were within permissible limits. However, due to public opposition, the BMC chose to shut it down temporarily. It has added that there is a possibility of limited operation on weekends and special days.
Nandini Chabria of Breach Candy ALM and BCRF thanked authorities for addressing concerns. She highlighted that continuous exposure to ‘Jai Ho’ noise has now stopped. Also, Kavita Chawla, a local resident, called the barricading a “big relief.” She added that the residents “deserved a peaceful neighbourhood.” Apart from this, the residents highlighted the impact of the decision on daily life and mental well-being.
Engineers appointed by the BMC created precisely spaced grooves on the road surface on the northbound stretch of Mumbai Coastal Road. So, when vehicles drove over them at 70 to 80 kmph, the tyre vibrations generated musical notes. These notes then combined to form the tune “Jai Ho” from Slumdog Millionaire, composed by music maestro A.R. Rahman.