Google Maps introduces flyover callout feature for Indian users

Google Maps is introducing an India-specific flyover callout feature—one of its most requested features—in its latest rollout.

The feature will be rolled out in 40 cities across the country, and as of now, the feature will only be available on Android apps and Android Auto, while iOS and CarPlay support will be coming soon, the company said in a statement. 

Google announced six new India-specific features in its latest blog post, stating that, “India presents many amazing opportunities to bring the best of our AI and geospatial technologies to address complex real-world challenges.”

To address the challenge of narrow and congested roads in the country, the tech giant has also introduced a feature which will reduce the use of narrow roads for four-wheel drivers, using an AI model developed especially for Indian roads. 

“Our narrow roads and flyover features have been pioneered in India, for India tailored to the unique navigation needs of our users here,” the company said. 

The two new features will soon be available to developers through the Google Maps Platform Routes API, which will allow them to integrate narrow road and flyover callouts into their own apps and services. 

Google also introduced a lucrative feature for Indian electric vehicle (EV) drivers, which will allow them to find EV charging stations, give information about real-time availability and plug types. 

This India-first feature will be rolled out in collaboration with leading providers like ElectricPe, Ather, Kazam, and Statiq, giving information about 8,000 EV charging stations. 

For users in Kochi and Chennai, Google Maps has also offered a new, convenient feature: in-app metro ticket booking. 

This feature, powered by ONDC and Namma Yatri, will simplify the public transport journey of the users as they will be able to search for directions and book their ticket with just a tap, all within the Google Maps app. 

“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,” the company said. 

With over 60 million local contributors, India boasts the world’s largest Google Maps community, with people who share reviews, photos, and real-time updates on the daily. 

Google Maps has now simplified the feature to report road incidents in the country, allowing users to flag construction delays or traffic mishaps on their routes with just a few taps on the app. This feature will be made available to both Android and iOS users, along with Android Auto and CarPlay users. 

Lastly, the company announced that they will be making it easier for users to discover hidden gems and must-see spots, by using curated lists from NDTV Food, MagicPin, and other local experts for top eats, drinks, and adventures in ten major Indian cities. 

The updated “Lists” feature will let everyone contribute, share their recommendations, and even vote on where to go using emojis.

Just last week, the company introduced special pricing for the country and took a 70% cut on the price of their API, for developers that use the Google Maps platform. 

Ola founder, Bhavish Aggarwal, took to X to call out the “belated price cuts” and in response granted a one-year free access to any developers who were willing to shift to the Ola Maps interface. 

As promised, here’s our response to @googlemaps ‘belated’ price cuts. It’s time we build world class alternatives to big tech giants and empower Indian innovation! I’m very excited to announce a further reduced pricing structure and our future product roadmap for Ola Maps… pic.twitter.com/zzuC90Qy03

— Bhavish Aggarwal (@bhash) July 18, 2024