MG Marg in Gangtok; (bottom) two of the Bose speakers fitted to a lamppost. Pictures by Prabin Khaling

Gangtok, June 4: The 38 speakers did what they were meant to — stop all shoppers on their tracks, as Another Day in Paradise wafted across MG Marg that now boasts a music system of its own.

No, there were no impromptu jigs, for most people did not know that the Bose speakers — one of the most expensive in the world — had already been installed. But by evening when Wild Women gave way to Singh is Kinng, one or two did dare a foot-tap, at first shy and then spontaneous.

As a value addition to the popular MG Marg, the Bose music system has been installed by the state energy and power department and fitted to lampposts on the 400-metre stretch from the tourism department office to the bend where New Market starts.

The power department has spent Rs 19.98 lakh to install the world class music system in the state capital’s showpiece shopping centre that also has many upmarket hotels and stores selling some famous brands.

The system was inaugurated last evening by power minister Sonam Gyatso Lepcha at the 11/11kv sub-station at old Children’s Park taxi stand, just above MG Marg. He punched the button and the gentle instrumental strains of Another Day in Paradise (Phil Collins) breezed across MG Marg.

The music got little bolder with Wild Women and Singh is Kinng.

“This is fantastic. We are enjoying a lot and it is a nice concept,” said Ankur Basu, who had arrived from Calcutta with his wife and child. “I have heard music at malls in Holland and Germany but not in India. None of the malls I have been to in Calcutta and Bangalore have this system,” he said.

State power secretary Pema Wangchen said various types of songs would be played from 6am to 9.30pm daily.

“We will have bhajans in the morning, soft instrumentals in the afternoons and popular numbers in the evenings. The objective is to entertain tourists and local people alike and add to the appeal of MG Marg,” said Wangchen.

Currently, the instrumental collection of the department has works by Yanni, Kenny G and other masters.

Gangtok mayor K.N. Topgay said the whole idea was wonderful. “We will be able to entertain the people with soulful and appealing music. Tourists will definitely enjoy this.”

Gangtok MLA Dorjee Namgyal Bhutia said speakers would be set up in the remaining part of MG Marg in the second phase soon.