Now Google Maps to guide you through Kolkata streets

While Google Maps is yet to receive permission from the government to offer its Street View service in India, it has added exciting new features to help you navigate through Kolkata like never before!

You can now use Google Maps to know alternate routes to your destination and estimated travel time based on traffic movement in Kolkata. Also, you can find comparable fares for Ola and Uber within the city or find out various public transport options to your destination and the estimated time it may take. Google Maps will now also help you locate various utility options — like petrol pumps, hotels, hospitals, shopping malls and many more — on the go.

India is among the top five countries using offline maps today. Explaining how the new features in Google Maps could make commuting in Kolkata easy, Sanket Gupta, programme manager, Google Maps, said, “Google Maps is not just about navigating from point A to B, it’s about providing a rich seamless experience as you travel around with friends or family be it on a holiday or a business trip or your daily commute. Features like multi-stop directions, offline and search along route can help you plan your travel in and around Kolkata, explore more destinations and find the shortest routes both distance wise or time wise.”

Read:Policing the police, Kolkata traffic sergeants get body cameras

The newly launched traffic alerts on Google Maps will help you avoid jams on the streets of Kolkata and reach your destination at the earliest. “When you set out on your journey, Google will give you a spoken alert for upcoming traffic conditions that helps you identify the quickest route. We are sourcing the data from vehicles using Google Maps in an area. While you’re on the road, Google Maps will give you a heads-up if congestion lies ahead and how long you’ll be stuck in a jam. You’ll also get the option to take alternate routes, including explanations for why one is recommended—whether it’s the fastest or just avoids traffic,” said Gupta.

Asked when Google’s Street View feature might be available in India, Gupta said, “As of now we have not been able to get the necessary permission. Discussions are still happening on that front.”