Google Maps to expand AI features in Hyderabad
HYDERABAD: “We have mapped 70 lakh kilometres of road network across India on Google Maps. Every day, users travel 2.5 lakh kilometres based on this data. We are taking necessary steps to further improve our services,” said Google Maps technical lead Anel Ghosh.
He was speaking on Friday at the Traffic and Security Summit-2025, organised by Hyderabad Traffic Police at Jalavihar auditorium.
AI to check narrow roads
Ghosh said users often face problems when Maps directs them to narrow roads, forcing them to turn back. To address this, Google is using artificial intelligence (AI) to calculate road width and suggest which type of vehicles can access them.
“Google Maps did not originally have a two-wheeler mode. We first launched it in India and later expanded it to other countries. Similarly, this AI feature will also be piloted here before being taken abroad,” he added.
Project Greenlight with city police
Ghosh announced that Google has partnered with Hyderabad Police under Project Greenlight to provide real-time traffic updates using AI.
The project aims to predict traffic jams and suggest alternative routes. “As electric vehicles gain traction, we have already mapped 10,000 EV charging stations across the country,” he said.
Plans to add safety zones, crime-prone areas
He added that satellite imagery now helps Google automatically update building information without human intervention.
“Suggestions were made at the summit to mark accident-prone black spots and crime-affected areas, and to identify unsafe zones for women. We are considering implementing these features in collaboration with local authorities. Alerts will be sent to users when they approach such areas,” Ghosh said.
RTC bus timings on the way
Google is also working to provide real-time public transport information. “Our ‘Where is My Train’ feature, launched with Indian Railways, is already live. Metro train timings are available. Next, we want to integrate RTC bus movements and timings into Maps, as buses are widely used. Discussions with RTC are planned,” he added.
