Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has thrown his weight behind Mappls, the latest app driving India’s Swadeshi push in the tech space. The app, developed by digital map and geospatial technology company MapmyIndia, is emerging as a strong, government-backed alternative to Google Maps for mobile navigation.
On Saturday, Minister Vaishnaw posted a video on X (formerly Twitter) showcasing his use of Mappls, endorsing its features with the caption: “Swadeshi ‘Mappls’ by MapmyIndia. Good features…must try.”
Key Features and Safety Enhancements
As he demonstrated the app, Vaishnaw highlighted several features designed to enhance user safety and experience, directly addressing past issues associated with foreign navigation services.
- 3D Junction View for Bridges: Mappls promises to provide a three-dimensional junction view when approaching an over-bridge or underpass. This feature is intended to prevent navigational errors, which have tragically occurred with other apps, such as a November 2024 incident where a vehicle allegedly following Google Maps plunged into a river.
- Multi-Storey Navigation: The app can guide users to different floors within multi-storied buildings, a functionality that goes beyond typical ground-level navigation.
- Data Sovereignty: A major selling point is that all map data and user information are stored within India. This addresses growing concerns about data security and sovereignty with foreign platforms.
Rail and Digital Address Integration
The app’s future prospects are also extending into critical infrastructure. The minister confirmed that Mappls holds a bright prospect in Indian Railways, and an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will soon be signed to boost railway navigation across the country.
Furthermore, Mappls is integrating with the nation’s push for a digital address system. Through a partnership with India Post, the app is incorporating DIGIPIN—India’s first comprehensive digital address system—into the platform, facilitating more accurate location services.