Tue Feb 04 00:20:00 UTC 2025: **Indian MP Calls for Domestic Mapping App After Google Maps Accidents**
NEW DELHI (February 4, 2025) – A BJP Rajya Sabha member, Ajeet Madhavrao Gopchade, is urging the Indian government to develop a domestic alternative to Google Maps following a series of fatal accidents attributed to inaccurate navigation data. Dr. Gopchade cited recent incidents in Kerala and Uttar Pradesh where vehicles, following Google Maps directions, plunged into rivers, resulting in deaths.
He highlighted the dangers of over-reliance on foreign technology and called for collaboration between Indian startups, firms, and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to create a “swadeshi” (indigenous) mapping solution. This, he argued, would reduce dependence on global platforms and improve data accuracy and security.
Dr. Gopchade also pointed to Section 43(a) of the Information Technology Act, stating that companies like Google Maps could be held legally responsible for failing to ensure data accuracy and user security despite possessing the technical capabilities to do so.
While Google has acknowledged the issue and stated that it is working to improve its map data and user alerts, the incidents have sparked a renewed debate about the need for reliable, locally-developed mapping services in India. The Hindu previously reported on numerous instances of Google Maps errors leading to individuals being stranded or encountering dangerous situations in remote areas.
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