Made-in-India Mappls App Challenges Google Maps, Praised by Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw: “Must Try”

Mappls App Launched: India’s Homegrown Navigation Platform to Rival Google Maps

India’s digital innovation wave has taken another big leap with the launch of Mappls, a fully indigenous navigation app designed to compete directly with Google Maps. Developed by MapmyIndia, this app marks a major stride toward digital self-reliance by offering an advanced mapping experience made entirely in India.

Union Railway and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw praised the app on X (formerly Twitter), sharing a demo video and encouraging citizens to try it. He also revealed that the Indian Railways is exploring a partnership with Mappls to integrate its technology into railway services.

Built on Indian Technology, Designed for Indian Users

Mappls has been developed by MapmyIndia, a well-known Indian digital mapping company. The app is entirely made in India and delivers all key features that users expect from Google Maps — and even goes beyond in several areas.

It provides real-time traffic updates, detailed road conditions, petrol pump and highway information, and route-based alerts. Users can view and update nearby locations, making the platform interactive and community-driven.

One standout innovation is the 3D Junction View feature, which helps users clearly understand complex intersections, underpasses, or flyovers in real time. This makes choosing the correct lane effortless — a feature Google Maps does not currently offer in India. For daily commuters navigating crowded city roads, this can make driving both safer and smoother.

Indoor Navigation: A Game-Changer Feature

Unlike traditional navigation apps that focus only on outdoor routes, Mappls also supports indoor navigation. Whether you’re inside a multi-story shopping mall, office complex, or metro station, the app can guide you to the exact floor or shop location.

This feature is especially beneficial for urban users in large cities where indoor spaces can be confusing to navigate. With this addition, Mappls aims to offer end-to-end navigation, from street directions to indoor guidance — all in a single app.

Government Support for ‘Digital Atmanirbharta’

Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, after testing the app personally, applauded its performance and usability. He announced that the Indian Railways will soon sign an MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) with Mappls to integrate its technology for better mapping and service management.

He stated, “The experience with Mappls has been outstanding. It proves that Indian technology has reached a global standard. Soon, the Railways will collaborate with Mappls to use its navigation tools.”

The Minister emphasized that the adoption of homegrown apps like Mappls strengthens India’s digital sovereignty and reduces dependence on foreign platforms. It’s part of the government’s larger vision to promote indigenous innovation under the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Digital India’ initiatives.

Minister Encourages Citizens to Try Mappls

In his social media post, Vaishnaw shared a video showcasing the app’s interface and navigation performance. He wrote, “This is a made-in-India navigation app. I urge everyone to try it once.”

The video demonstrated how Mappls offers clear, intuitive routes and 3D visualizations, simplifying driving and making the navigation experience more user-friendly. The Minister’s endorsement triggered a wave of support from citizens praising India’s growing capability to build alternatives to global tech giants.

Why Mappls Matters for India’s Tech Future

The launch of Mappls is more than just a new app — it’s a symbol of India’s growing technological independence. In a digital era dominated by global players, the success of Mappls could inspire more Indian startups to create world-class alternatives across various sectors.

By offering secure data handling, real-time updates, and region-specific features, Mappls promises to deliver a safer, smarter, and truly Indian navigation experience.

As the government continues to push for data localization and digital sovereignty, Mappls’ rise marks an important milestone — proving that India can not only match but potentially outshine global tech solutions with its innovation and expertise.