Gemini in navigation to proactive traffic alerts: Google Maps brings 10 new powerful features to India

By Admin

07 Nov, 2025

Google Maps is redefining how Indians navigate, plan, and explore with the rollout of 10 powerful new features, designed to make the app a truly conversational, AI-powered map experience. Among the highlights are Gemini integration, proactive traffic alerts, and real-time road closure updates   all tailored to meet India’s dynamic travel needs.

Gemini Comes to Navigation

Google Maps now integrates Gemini, allowing users to enjoy a hands-free, conversational navigation experience. Drivers can ask questions like “Where’s the nearest petrol pump?” or “Find a good restaurant nearby,” and Gemini will respond conversationally even offering to add those stops to your route.
According to Lalitha Ramani, General Manager for Google Maps India, Gemini isn’t just performing searches but “reasoning through multi-step problems,” connecting data from trusted web sources, reviews, and geospatial insights for smarter results. The feature will begin rolling out in the coming weeks.

Proactive Local Tips with AI

Gemini will also act as your personal travel guide, offering AI-powered local insights before you visit a restaurant or tourist attraction. It can suggest the best month to visit, must-try dishes, or hidden gems like “bargain-friendly shops” or “best photo spots,” by analyzing reviews and online content.

Ask Ultra-Specific Location Questions

No more scrolling through hundreds of reviews simply ask Gemini questions like “Does this café have parking?” or “Which stall is most popular here?” The assistant scans through reviews, photos, and web data to give precise answers instantly.

Proactive Traffic Alerts

A much-awaited feature, Proactive Traffic Alerts will notify users about disruptions or delays even when they are not navigating. As Anal Ghosh, Senior Programme Manager at Google, explains, “Maps will automatically alert you when there’s a major disruption or delay on your route.” Initially, it’s available in New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru for major roads and highways.

Alerts for Accident-Prone Areas

Designed in collaboration with Indian authorities, this feature provides voice and visual alerts when drivers approach accident-prone zones. It’s rolling out to Android users in Gurugram, Cyberabad, Chandigarh, and Faridabad.

See Official Speed Limits

To encourage safer driving, Google Maps now displays official speed limits beside the speedometer during navigation. Developed with local traffic authorities, it’s available in Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, and Noida for Android and iOS users.

Real-Time Road Closure Data

In partnership with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Google Maps will now show live updates on road closures and repairs, along with nearby public amenities like restrooms, eateries, and petrol pumps   ensuring smoother journeys.

Customizable Two-Wheeler Navatars

Two-wheeler riders can now personalize their navigation icons with eight bike or scooter types and eight vibrant colors. This India-first feature will be available on Android and iOS in the coming weeks.

Voice Guidance for Flyovers

To simplify navigation on busy Indian roads, Google Maps now provides voice-guided flyover instructions in nine Indian languages. The update ensures riders can hear directions clearly without looking at their screens   enhancing safety and convenience.

Save Tickets in Google Wallet

Another India-specific addition is the ability to save travel tickets directly in Google Wallet and access them within Maps. Android users in Delhi, Bengaluru, Kochi, and Chennai can use this now, with Mumbai support coming soon.

A Smarter, Safer, and More Conversational Future

With these updates, Google Maps is becoming more than just a navigation tool  it’s evolving into an AI-powered travel companion built for India’s fast-moving cities and diverse transport habits. From Gemini-driven smart assistance to safety-focused alerts, this evolution marks a major step toward an intuitive and intelligent mapping experience for millions of users across the country.