Just a month after the launch of the ‘Melody Road’ (Musical Stretch) along Mumbai’s Coastal Road, authorities have decided to impose restrictions on the stretch during late-night hours. The road will now be barricaded every Friday to Sunday from 10 PM to 7 AM following repeated complaints from residents of the Breach Candy area. Locals reported that the continuous playing of the song ‘Jai Ho’ has been causing significant disturbance in what is otherwise a quiet residential neighbourhood.
Residents claimed that the music, which plays from morning until midnight, has disrupted their daily lives. Many said they are unable to even keep their windows open, with senior citizens being particularly affected by the constant sound. Members of the Breach Candy Residents’ Forum expressed concern that even if the noise levels fall within permissible limits, the repetitive nature of the sound is highly irritating. They also criticised the authorities for not consulting citizens before implementing such an unusual project and had formally raised the issue with the Municipal Commissioner.
Responding to these concerns, the BMC conducted a site inspection and recorded sound levels at around 9 decibels, which is within acceptable limits for residential areas. However, acknowledging that the disturbance is more noticeable at night, officials have decided to temporarily close the stretch during weekend nights on a trial basis. On other days, the road will remain open as usual.
As part of initial measures, the BMC has already started restricting access by barricading a small L-shaped portion of the stretch, limiting vehicular movement to reduce traffic and associated noise. The ‘Melody Road,’ touted as India’s first of its kind, was inaugurated on February 11 by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
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