Google has launched new features tailored for India to improve navigation and exploration. Leveraging AI and local partnerships, these enhancements aim to make Google Maps more useful for Indian users.
Google said they had mapped over 7 million kilometers of roads, 300 million buildings, and 35 million businesses in India. This extensive mapping allows for real-time traffic predictions, immersive Street View and Live View walking navigation, and solutions for traffic congestion and flood forecasting.
AI-Driven Navigation for Four-Wheelers
Navigating narrow roads in India can be challenging for four-wheeler drivers. Google’s new feature aims to minimize the use of narrow roads.
By using an AI model that considers satellite images, Street View data, and other parameters, Google estimates road widths and adjusts routing algorithms to avoid narrow roads when possible.
Clear callouts in Maps Directions and Navigation screens alert drivers to narrow sections, helping them choose safer routes.
Availability: This feature is rolling out this week on Android in Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Coimbatore, Indore, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, and Guwahati, with iOS support and more cities to follow soon.
Flyover Navigation Assistance
Flyovers are common in many Indian cities, and navigating them can be confusing. Google Maps now highlights flyovers on recommended routes, helping drivers anticipate and prepare for them in advance.
Availability: This feature is available starting this week in 40 cities across India for both four-wheeler and two-wheeler navigation on Android and Android Auto, with iOS and CarPlay support coming soon.
Support for Electric Vehicle (EV) Journeys
Google has partnered with ElectricPe, Ather, Kazam, and Statiq to provide detailed information about over 8,000 EV charging stations in India. Users can find real-time availability, plug types, and filter by specific charger types.
Availability: This feature is now available on Google Maps and Google Search in India, with plans to expand and improve coverage nationwide.
Metro Ticket Booking Integration
In collaboration with ONDC and Namma Yatri, Google Maps now supports metro ticket booking in Kochi and Chennai.
Users can search for public transport directions and book metro tickets directly through the app, streamlining the travel experience.
Availability: This feature is live in Kochi and Chennai starting this week, with plans to expand to more cities and transport modes.
Simplified Incident Reporting
Google has improved the process for reporting road incidents on Google Maps. Users can now report construction, traffic mishaps, and other incidents with just a few taps.
They can also confirm reports made by others, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of these updates.
Availability: This update is available on all platforms, including Android, iOS, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay.
Curated Lists from Local Experts
Google has made it easier to create, share, and collaborate on lists of favorite places.
Collaborations with local experts like NDTV Food and magicpin have resulted in curated lists for ten major cities and tourist spots, offering recommendations for dining, drinking, and exploring.
Availability: These curated lists are available now for cities including Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, Goa, Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Kolkata, and Jaipur.
Announcing the new features, Miriam Daniel, VP & GM, Google Maps, and Lalitha Ramani, GM, Google Maps, India, said:
India truly is at the center of our innovation, and we can’t wait to build the future of Maps right here. These new features reaffirm our commitment to making digital mapping even more helpful for users, businesses, developers, and society at large. We look forward to continuing our journey of innovation in India.