Google Maps Rolls Out 10 New Features in India — Gemini AI Brings Hands-Free Driving

1. Hands-Free, Interactive Driving with Gemini AI

Google’s biggest reveal is the first-ever hands-free, interactive driving experience in Google Maps — powered by Gemini, the company’s generative AI.

Now, drivers can talk to Maps just like they would with an assistant. You can say things like:

“Hey Google, where’s the nearest EV charging station?”
“Find vegetarian restaurants with parking along my route.”

Gemini not only answers these multi-step queries but can even create calendar events for your planned trips — making it a true travel companion.

This feature aims to help users stay focused on the road while accessing rich, contextual information through natural voice commands.

2. Proactive Local Tips

Taking inspiration from last year’s “Inspiration” feature, Google is now rolling out Proactive Local Tips in India.

This AI-powered feature gives real-time, location-based insights such as:

• Popular nearby attractions

• Trending restaurants

• Recommended local businesses

• Upcoming events and landmarks

Whether you’re exploring a new city or just heading to a familiar spot, Gemini keeps you informed with personalized suggestions right inside Maps.

3. AI Answers About Places

Ever wondered what a restaurant looks like, how good its service is, or whether it’s wheelchair accessible — without opening another app?

Google Maps now lets you ask AI-driven questions about places. Using community reviews, photos, and official business details, Gemini provides contextual answers right in Maps.

So, you can ask:

“Is this café pet-friendly?” or “Does this hotel have free parking?”

This feature eliminates the need to switch between tabs, keeping your trip planning smooth and seamless.

4. Proactive Traffic Alerts

Traffic jams in India are infamous — but Google’s new feature wants to stay one step ahead.

Proactive Traffic Alerts notify you about upcoming road closures, diversions, and heavy congestion, even if you’re not actively using navigation mode.

Initially, this feature will roll out to Android users in Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai in the next few weeks, with a wider rollout expected soon.

5. Accident-Prone Area Alerts

Safety gets a major boost with the new accident-prone zone alerts.

Using official government accident data, Google Maps will now notify users when they’re entering high-risk zones. This feature will first go live in Gurugram, Hyderabad (Cyberabad), Chandigarh, and Faridabad for both Android and iOS users.

It’s a small step toward helping drivers make safer travel decisions, especially on unfamiliar roads.

6. Official Speed Limit Display

Speeding is one of the leading causes of road accidents in India — and Google Maps is taking note.

Now, Maps will display the official speed limit (sourced from government data) next to your speedometer in the corner of the screen.

This feature will debut in nine Indian cities, including:

Ghaziabad, Noida, Gurugram, Jaipur, Faridabad, Lucknow, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Hyderabad.

It’ll be available on both Android and iOS over the next few days.

7. Real-Time Road Closure Updates (via NHAI Partnership)

In collaboration with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Google Maps will now display real-time road closure and repair updates.

This data, pulled directly from NHAI’s official API, ensures you get authentic, up-to-date route information — perfect for long drives or road trips across states.

With this partnership, route planning just got a lot more reliable.

8. Metro Ticket Booking Within Maps

Good news for daily commuters — you can now book metro tickets directly through Google Maps!

The app connects seamlessly to the relevant booking platform, without the need to switch apps. Tickets can also be saved in Google Wallet for easy access during travel.

Currently available in Delhi, Bengaluru, Kochi, and Chennai, the feature will expand to Mumbai soon.

This marks another step toward integrated urban mobility within a single app.

9. Voice-Guided Flyover Navigation

Google recently introduced flyover navigation, which shows when to take or skip a flyover. Now, this feature gets a major upgrade with voice guidance support.

That means no more constantly glancing at the screen — the app will verbally guide you in nine Indian languages, ensuring a hands-free, distraction-free experience.

This feature is designed to be especially useful on busy highways and city junctions.

10. Customizable Two-Wheeler Avatars

In a fun, India-first update, Google Maps is rolling out custom two-wheeler avatars.

Riders can now choose from different bike or scooter icons, and even customize their colors. It’s a small but delightful personalization feature, exclusive to Android users in India.

Because who said navigation can’t be a little stylish?