Mumbai has introduced a unique driving experience with India’s first musical road, and many drivers are curious about how to use it properly. This special stretch is not just for show; it works only when motorists follow the correct speed and lane instructions.
The musical road is located on the northbound side of Mumbai’s Coastal Road, between Nariman Point and Worli. A 500-metre section has been specially designed with grooves cut into the asphalt. When a vehicle drives over these grooves at the right speed, the vibration between the tyres and the road produces musical notes. Together, these notes create the famous song “Jai Ho,” composed by A.R. Rahman.
Using the musical road safely is simple. First, watch for the signs. Second, gradually adjust your speed before reaching the section. Third, keep your steering steady and drive straight so your tyres pass evenly over the grooves. Sudden braking or lane changes can disturb the sound and may also be unsafe for other vehicles. It is meant to be enjoyed smoothly, not rushed.
This technology is not entirely new worldwide. The idea was first discovered in Japan in 2007, when an engineer realised that grooves in roads could produce tones. Since then, similar melody roads have appeared in countries like Hungary, South Korea, and the UAE. Mumbai’s version is the first in India and shows how creative engineering can make roads more engaging while still serving a practical purpose.
The musical road is not only entertainment — it also encourages drivers to maintain a steady speed, which can improve road discipline. By following the signs, staying in the correct lane, and driving at the recommended speed, motorists can safely enjoy this one-of-a-kind musical experience while cruising through Mumbai.
The musical road is located on the northbound side of Mumbai’s Coastal Road, between Nariman Point and Worli. A 500-metre section has been specially designed with grooves cut into the asphalt. When a vehicle drives over these grooves at the right speed, the vibration between the tyres and the road produces musical notes. Together, these notes create the famous song “Jai Ho,” composed by A.R. Rahman.
How to Use Musical Road
To enjoy the melody clearly, drivers must maintain a speed between 70 and 80 km/h. This speed range is very important. If you drive slower, the notes will sound stretched and unclear. If you go too fast, the tune will become distorted and hard to recognise. The road has signboards placed 500 metres, 100 metres, and 60 metres before the musical section so drivers can adjust speed in time. Staying in the correct lane is also necessary because the musical strips are installed only in the first lane near the divider.Using the musical road safely is simple. First, watch for the signs. Second, gradually adjust your speed before reaching the section. Third, keep your steering steady and drive straight so your tyres pass evenly over the grooves. Sudden braking or lane changes can disturb the sound and may also be unsafe for other vehicles. It is meant to be enjoyed smoothly, not rushed.
This technology is not entirely new worldwide. The idea was first discovered in Japan in 2007, when an engineer realised that grooves in roads could produce tones. Since then, similar melody roads have appeared in countries like Hungary, South Korea, and the UAE. Mumbai’s version is the first in India and shows how creative engineering can make roads more engaging while still serving a practical purpose.
The musical road is not only entertainment — it also encourages drivers to maintain a steady speed, which can improve road discipline. By following the signs, staying in the correct lane, and driving at the recommended speed, motorists can safely enjoy this one-of-a-kind musical experience while cruising through Mumbai.