Motorists welcome musical de-stress for frayed nerves at traffic signals

Bhubaneswar: Waiting at traffic signals in Bhubaneswar is no longer just about enduring the red light — it has become a surprisingly pleasant experience for many motorists. Thanks to a new initiative by Bhubaneswar Smart City Limited (BSCL), instrumental music now fills the air at several intersections, easing stress and keeping drivers entertained during their wait.The project, launched recently to improve the urban driving experience involves installing speakers at busy junctions that play soothing instrumental versions of popular tracks.Commuters have been responding warmly to the move. “A two-minute wait at the signal can be annoying, but the music is actually soothing to our ears,” said city resident Akhaya Das.Smriti Swain, another motorist, said the ambience felt similar to being inside a shopping mall.BSCL general manager Purandar Nanda explained that the music is primarily played during peak hours, especially in the evenings, and is controlled from their intelligence command control centre. “We introduced this at 30 junctions to alleviate stress for road users and simultaneously create awareness about traffic rules,” Nanda said.Between songs, short audio messages remind commuters of essential traffic rules and safety practices.

Officials say the idea is to combine relaxation with awareness, making the city’s traffic environment more humane and engaging.Traffic DCP Tapan Mohanty confirmed that 30 out of the city’s 52 traffic intersections have already been equipped with public address systems. “We are receiving positive feedback from people. Efforts are underway to cover all traffic junctions under the music system,” he said, noting that both motorists and traffic personnel have welcomed the initiative.Interestingly, the initiative has also benefited traffic police officers, who spend long hours managing congestion. “The music gives us a soothing effect during duty,” a constable shared. He suggested diversifying the playlist with Odia and Hindi film songs, devotional tracks and rotating selections to prevent monotony.Some motorists, however, expressed concern over the presence of digital billboards at traffic junctions that continuously play promotional videos. They argued that such displays divert drivers’ attention and increase the risk of accidents. “These video walls are distracting and potentially dangerous. The authorities should consider removing them to ensure road safety,” said Nirod Pattanayak, a city motorist.