Google Maps is introducing a series of new features tailored for Indian users, enhancing the navigation and convenience of the app. Among these are capabilities to locate EV charging points and book metro tickets in select Indian cities.
One of the most anticipated features is flyover guidance, which will now inform users whether to take a flyover or the adjacent service road. “Flyover guidance has been one of the most requested features from our users; we have heard you and acted on it,” said Lalitha Ramani, the general manager of Google Maps India, during a press briefing on Thursday.
The flyover callout feature will highlight upcoming flyovers along the user’s route, allowing them to decide whether to use them. This update is rolling out across 40 cities in India for both four-wheeler and two-wheeler users, initially available on Android devices, with iOS and CarPlay support to follow.
EV Charging Locations
In response to the growing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in India, Google Maps is adding over 8,000 EV charging locations through collaborations with providers like ElectricPe, Ather, Kazam, and Statiq. This feature will display detailed information about the EV charging stations, such as plug types and real-time availability. Users can filter the EV charging locations based on charger type, with an option to find stations specifically for two-wheelers— a unique feature currently exclusive to India.
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“We are seeing a real surge in EV adoption in India, both for cars and two-wheelers, and we want to make sure that EV drivers have the information they need,” Ramani said.
Metro Ticket Booking
Google Maps is also introducing a Metro ticket booking feature in collaboration with the government-led Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) and the ride booking app Namma Yatri. This feature will be available in Kochi and Chennai initially. When users search for directions involving Metro travel, an option to book metro tickets will appear, redirecting them to the Namma Yatri app for payment and ticket issuance.
“We’re eager to expand this feature to more cities and additional modes of public transport, collaborating closely with Namma Yatri and ONDC to enhance your public transportation experience,” said Anal Ghosh, the product lead at Google Maps India.
Navigating Narrow Roads
Another new feature is narrow road alerts designed to help four-wheeler drivers avoid using narrow streets. This feature, based on AI routing algorithms that estimate road widths, will initially be available in eight cities: Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Coimbatore, Indore, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, and Guwahati. Like other updates, this will first be rolled out for Android users.
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Google Maps has also introduced faster reporting options for users to flag ongoing construction or traffic accidents. Additionally, the new ‘Lists’ feature allows users to create and share curated recommendations, such as “Top Breakfast Spots in Mumbai” or “Best Ocean-View Cafes in Goa”.
API Pricing Update
In a move to support local developers, Google has announced a price cut for Indian developers using its Maps API. This announcement came shortly after Ola decided to switch from Google Maps API to its in-house solution. Miriam Daniel, VP and GM of Google Maps, explained that the revised pricing was timed with the Google I/O connect event in Bengaluru to align with localized pricing systems for Indian partners.
Google Maps continues to evolve, offering tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of Indian users while enhancing overall navigation and user experience.
