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Google Maps introduces AI-driven navigation, EV charging station info, and improved public transport options in India, promoting sustainable travel.
Key Points
- Google Maps introduces new AI-driven features and local partnerships to improve user experience in India.
- Updates include AI-powered narrow road avoidance, flyover navigation, and metro ticket booking.
- EV charging station information is now integrated into Google Maps, with real-time availability and filtering options.
- Local experts collaborate to provide curated recommendations, enhancing user exploration.
- Improved user-generated content reporting for road incidents on Android, iOS, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay.
Google has unveiled a suite of new features for Google Maps in India, designed to enhance user experience and promote sustainable travel. These updates, powered by artificial intelligence and local partnerships, aim to address common commuting challenges faced by Indian users. The new features will begin rolling out this week and include AI-driven navigation, EV charging station information, and improved public transport options.
Google Maps is also partnering with local experts to provide curated recommendations for users. “Our quest to build a better Maps experience is never-ending, and India presents many amazing opportunities to bring the best of our AI and geospatial technologies to address complex real-world challenges. Many of these solutions are being pioneered in India, for India. From a custom-built AI approach for tackling narrow roads and flyovers, to powering sustainable journeys with EV charging stations, as well as enabling the biggest community of maps contributors to surface real-time road disruptions on the map, we’re excited to bring such helpful features to millions across the country. India truly is at the center of our innovation, and we can’t wait to build the future of Maps right here,” said Miriam Daniel, VP and GM of Google Maps, on the rollout.
One significant improvement is the AI-powered narrow road avoidance feature. Google Maps often routes people through roads that are difficult to navigate, especially for four-wheelers. To address this, Google is now using AI to help users avoid narrow roads. By leveraging satellite imagery, Street View, and other data, the system estimates road widths and adjusts routing algorithms to help drivers navigate congested areas more efficiently. This feature will initially be available in eight cities, including Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Chennai, with plans for expansion.
Another enhancement is flyover navigation, which addresses the common issue of uncertainty about whether to take a flyover. Google Maps will now highlight flyovers along recommended routes in 40 Indian cities, helping drivers better prepare for upcoming elevated roadways during their journeys.
Public transit users in Kochi and Chennai will benefit from a new metro ticket booking feature, powered by ONDC and Namma Yatri. This integration allows users to purchase tickets directly through Google Maps, streamlining the commute process.
Google has also partnered with leading EV charging providers to integrate information on over 8,000 charging stations into Maps and Search. Users can now access real-time availability and filter by charger type, with India being the first country to feature two-wheeler EV charging stations on Google Maps.
In addition, Google is collaborating with local experts to curate lists of recommended places in ten major cities and tourist spots, enhancing the exploration experience for users.
The update also includes improvements to user-generated content, making it easier for local contributors to report road incidents and share information. This feature will be available on Android, iOS, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay.
These features, tailored for the Indian market and addressing local transportation challenges, will be rolling out gradually across Android and iOS devices.
