Google Maps to Notify on Road Widths, Flyovers, EV Chargers in India

29 Jul 2024 CW Team

Google has introduced several new features aimed at enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of journeys via Maps in India, utilising artificial intelligence (AI) and collaborating with local partners.

The company revealed that it is launching a new feature for Maps users in India designed to minimise the use of narrow roads for four-wheelers. This initiative begins with the complex task of estimating road widths, given the extensive and varied road network across the country.

To tackle this challenge, Google has developed an AI model tailored specifically for Indian roads. This model integrates multiple data sources?such as satellite imagery, Street View, and additional details like road types, distances between buildings, and paved sections?to estimate road widths on a large scale, according to Miriam Daniel, Vice President and General Manager of Google Maps.

With this feature, four-wheeler drivers can experience a more relaxed driving environment. Additionally, bikers, pedestrians, and other commuters will benefit from safer and more confident use of narrow roads. The update also includes "clear callouts" in Maps Directions and Navigation screens, which will notify users of narrow sections on their route, allowing them to drive more cautiously or select an alternative path.

The new feature is being rolled out this week on Android devices in eight cities?Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Coimbatore, Indore, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, and Guwahati?and will soon be available on iOS and in more cities.

Infrastructure Urban

13 Mar 2026

Implementation Status of Jal Jeevan Mission

Since August 2019 the Government has implemented Jal Jeevan Mission to provide assured potable water through household tap connections in rural India. At the start of the mission only 32.3 million (mn) rural households, representing 16.7 per cent, were reported to have tap water connections. States and union territories have reported that 125.8 mn additional rural households have since been provided with tap connections. As a result, of about 193.6 mn rural households roughly 158.2 mn, or 81.71 per cent, are reported to have tap water supply at home.\n\nThe State, district and village level st..

Jal Jeevan Mission Reaches Eighty One Per Cent Rural Coverage

The Government reported substantial progress under the Jal Jeevan Mission, launched in August 2019 to provide tap water to every rural household. At launch only 32.3 million (mn) rural households had tap connections and states and Union territories reported provision of 125.8 mn additional households by March 2026. Consequently, out of about 193.6 mn rural households around 158.2 mn, or 81.71 per cent, are reported to have tap water at home. The Finance Minister announced extension of the mission until 2028 in the 2025-26 budget speech. The Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen, launched in October 20..

Empowering Local Governance for Sustainable Rural Water Supply

The Ministry of Jal Shakti has aligned the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) with the 73rd Amendment to strengthen village level planning and community ownership of water supply. Gram Panchayats, village water and sanitation committees and Pani Samitis are to plan, implement, manage and maintain piped water systems, with gram sabha processes formalising handover and oversight. Implementation support agencies including non government organisations, community based organisations and self help groups have been empanelled to train local committees and promote women participation. Under JJM, the department ..