One of the standout features is the AI-powered navigation tool designed to help four-wheeler drivers avoid narrow or congested roads.
Google Maps has announced a suite of innovative features tailored specifically for Indian users, aiming to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of journeys across the country. These advancements, powered by artificial intelligence and local partnerships, address the unique mobility challenges of India, including navigating narrow roads, flyovers, locating EV charging stations, and booking metro tickets.
One of the standout features is the AI-powered navigation tool designed to help four-wheeler drivers avoid narrow or congested roads. Navigating such roads in unfamiliar areas can be particularly challenging. This new tool estimates road widths using satellite imagery, Street View, and various data points to ensure drivers can bypass narrow roads without significantly increasing their travel time. This feature is currently being rolled out in eight cities: Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Coimbatore, Indore, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, and Guwahati, with plans for further expansion.
Flyovers, prevalent in many Indian cities, often confuse drivers unfamiliar with the area. To address this, Google Maps now includes a feature that highlights flyovers along recommended routes, helping drivers anticipate and prepare for these elevated roadways. This feature is available in 40 cities across India for both four-wheelers and two-wheelers.
In response to the growing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in India, Google Maps has partnered with leading EV charging providers to provide comprehensive information about over 8,000 charging stations. Users can find detailed information on plug types, real-time availability, and filter results by specific charger type. Notably, this marks the first time Google Maps has included EV charging stations for two-wheelers, catering to a broader range of EV users.
In a bid to streamline public transportation, Google Maps has collaborated with ONDC and Namma Yatri to support metro ticket bookings in Kochi and Chennai. Users can now book metro tickets directly through Google Maps, simplifying the public transport experience and eliminating the need to wait in line at stations.
Google Maps has also enhanced its incident reporting feature, making it easier for users to report road incidents such as construction or traffic mishaps. With just a few taps, users can report incidents and confirm reports from others, increasing the reliability of user-generated data. This update is available across all platforms, including Android, iOS, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay.
Additionally, Google Maps now offers curated lists from local experts and the community, allowing users to create, share, and collaborate on lists of favorite places.
