When it comes to navigation, Google Maps has been the default choice for almost everyone. But there is a powerful alternative that many people in India are still unaware of. I am talking about Mappls. Mappls is developed by MapmyIndia, a Noida-based tech company that has been mapping India for over two decades. The most interesting thing about Mappls is that the app has been designed specifically for Indian roads, addresses, and navigation challenges.
Mappls is developed by MapmyIndia, the company that is a pioneer in digital mapping and geospatial technology in India. The company was founded in 1995, long before Google Maps came to India, and has worked with government agencies, automotive brands, and logistics companies. Mappls, the consumer app from MapmyIndia, was launched to give regular users access to the same detailed maps and advanced navigation tools the company offers to its enterprise clients.
What Makes Mappls a Great Option for Indians
One of the biggest advantages of Mappls is its local accuracy. The app is built using data collected directly from Indian cities and towns, covering even remote and rural regions where Google Maps often struggles.
Here are a few features that make it stand out:
1. Better Local Accuracy
MapmyIndia has been mapping the country for over 25 years, long before Google Maps was even available here. Because of that, Mappls has built its own detailed database that covers even the smallest lanes, villages, and unmarked roads that often go missing on Google Maps.
For example, if you search for a small shop in a crowded area of Delhi or a temple in a remote part of Uttarakhand, Mappls is more likely to locate it accurately. The app also includes hyperlocal details like neighborhood boundaries, gated society layouts, and rural routes that other navigation apps often skip.
2. Mappls Pin (Digital Address System)
One of Mappls’ most unique features is the Mappls Pin. It is a simple alphanumeric code that represents any address in India. Think of it as a digital address that can replace confusing or incomplete street details.
For instance, instead of writing a long address like “House No. 134, Block C, Sector 52, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201301”, you can just share your Mappls Pin, such as 8GCM8T. Anyone entering that code in Mappls will reach your exact location.
This is incredibly useful for deliveries, ride-sharing, and even emergencies in areas with poor or inconsistent addressing systems.
3. Real-Time Traffic and Safety Features
Mappls provides live traffic updates, alternative routes, and even speed camera alerts. It also sends out safety warnings for accident-prone zones, sharp turns, potholes, and road closures. This information can make a big difference during long drives or road trips..
For example, suppose you are driving from Mumbai to Pune. In that case, Mappls can alert you about congested toll plazas, ongoing construction near Lonavala, or areas with frequent accidents, helping you take safer and faster routes.
4. Privacy-Focused Design
Privacy has become a serious concern for many users, and this is where Mappls takes a different route from Google. Mappls does not track your every move or use your location history for advertising. The company has clearly stated that it does not sell user data to third parties.
For Indians who are uncomfortable sharing personal location data with foreign tech giants, this is a major reason to switch. You can use Mappls with confidence knowing that your data stays private.
5. Integration with Cars and IoT Devices
Because MapmyIndia has long been supplying digital maps to car manufacturers like Tata, Mahindra, and Hyundai, Mappls integrates directly with many in-car systems. This makes it a natural choice for users who rely on built-in navigation.
For example, if you buy a new Mahindra XUV700, the navigation inside the car is powered by MapmyIndia. The same maps that fuel the Mappls app.
6. Regional Language Support
Mappls also supports multiple Indian languages, including Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Punjabi, Marathi, Gujarati, and Odia. So users can navigate comfortably in their preferred language. Google Maps supports only a few Indian languages and often limits the experience.
Another notable thing is the region-specific voice assistance. In Google Maps, Indian place names are often pronounced incorrectly because of the English accent. Mappls uses voice packs that sound closer to the local language tone. This makes it easier to understand for native speakers.
Where Mappls Still Falls Short
While Mappls is a strong navigation app for India, it is not without limitations. To give users a clear picture, here are the main areas where it still lags behind Google Maps or other global navigation apps:
1. Global and International Coverage
Mappls is designed specifically for India. This makes it excellent for navigating Indian cities, towns, and rural areas, but its international coverage is limited. That’s the reason I am recommending only Indian people to try it.
2. Public Transport Information
Mappls’ public transit support is improving, but it is still not as comprehensive as Google Maps. In many Indian cities, Google Maps offers detailed metro, bus, and train routes, including schedules, timings, and live updates. Mappls provides basic transit routes in major cities but often lacks real-time updates or complete information for smaller towns or regional buses.
3. User Base and Community-Driven Updates
One of Google Maps’ biggest strengths is its massive global user base. Millions of users contribute reviews, photos, traffic updates, and road changes daily. Mappls, while growing, cannot match this level of real-time crowd-sourced data yet. Some users have reported missing road closures, delayed traffic updates, or outdated addresses in newly developed areas.
4. Street View and Business Listings
Google Maps’ Street View gives users 360° real-world imagery for navigation and exploration. This feature is extremely useful when finding entrances to buildings, shops, or complex intersections. Mappls does have Junction View and RealView features, which are helpful, but the coverage is limited to major cities and highways. Small towns or rural areas may not have the same panoramic street-level detail.
5. Traffic Rerouting and Predictive ETA
While Mappls provides traffic updates and alternate routes, predictive ETAs and live rerouting under heavy traffic conditions are often more accurate on Google Maps.
6. Habit and Ecosystem Integrations
Many users are already accustomed to Google Maps and rely on its integration with other apps: Uber, Ola, Zomato, Airbnb, and calendar events. Mappls is improving in this area, but its ecosystem integration is still limited. Switching completely may feel less seamless for users who depend on these connected services.
Why You Should Still Try Mappls
Even with a few limitations, Mappls is a navigation app that every Indian should consider. It has been built specifically for Indian roads, addresses, and travel habits, which gives it a clear edge over global apps in many scenarios. Mappls provides detailed maps of cities, towns, and even rural areas. It covers lanes, interior roads, and local landmarks that Google Maps often misses. Whether you are navigating narrow lanes in Old Delhi or small village roads in Himachal Pradesh, Mappls will guide you accurately.
Above all, Mappls is a homegrown app made for India. It understands the country’s addressing quirks, rural and urban road layouts, and user habits in a way that global apps cannot. This makes it more practical for daily commutes, deliveries, and travel across India.
Mappls may not yet replace Google Maps globally, but when it comes to Indian roads and real-world navigation challenges, this Made in India app has proven that local innovation can go a long way.
