Google Maps Adds New Features In India

Google has introduced new features on Google Maps in India. The latest features include a custom-built AI approach for tackling narrow roads and flyovers and the ability to find electric vehicle (EV) charging stations on the Google Maps app. The tech giant made this move amid rising competition from homegrown challenger Ola Maps.

The main highlight is the feature designed to reduce the use of narrow roads when driving four-wheelers. The tech giant said in a blog post on Thursday that they have developed an AI model specifically for Indian roads that incorporates multiple signals like satellite imagery, Street View, and other information to estimate road widths at scale. These road width estimates are expected to help four-wheelers avoid narrow roads whenever possible. "We're adding clear callouts in Maps Directions and Navigation screens to alert you to narrow sections on your route, so that you can proceed cautiously or choose an alternative route," added Google. 

Google Maps has also unveiled another feature where it will call out flyovers along the recommended route. This feature helps users anticipate upcoming flyovers and prepare ahead of time to get onto the flyover. Google mentioned that the flyover callouts will be available starting this week in 40 cities across the country on Android apps and Android Auto. It is to be noted that the release date of this feature on iOS and CarPlay is not yet announced. 

The platform has also collaborated with leading EV charging providers in India to add information for over 8,000 charging stations. With this collaboration, users can easily find detailed information, including plug types and real-time availability. Additionally, Google Maps users in Kochi and Chennai can now book metro tickets through the app as the US-based company has collaborated with ONDC and Namma Yatri.