Now, Google Maps will show auto rickshaw stands in Delhi
Google has been introducing a number of capabilities to make Maps better for daily commuters, especially pedestrians. Only a few days back, we learned about the internet giant's plan to highlight well-lit roads to keep walkers safe. And now, in another effort, it will be showing the locations of auto-rickshaw stands in Maps. Here's all you need to know about it.
Plan to highlight locations of auto-rickshaw stands
Kailash Gahlot, the Transport & Environment Minister of Delhi, has confirmed that Google Maps will soon start showing the locations of 511 auto-rickshaw stands in New Delhi. The move, he said, will make it easier for passengers to find auto-rickshaws while commuting, especially in crowded regions, and also reduce congestion on the roads of the capital city.
Traffic management is the main goal behind this move
Currently, auto-rickshaws contribute largely to the problem of traffic in New Delhi. They are mostly found around crowded places, which results in congestion on the roads. However, the government is now setting up marked halt-and-go stands for auto-rickshaws, which will reflect in Google Maps and ultimately tackle the problem of unwanted traffic near crowded markets and localities.
New auto stands will appear in Maps in three weeks
"The work for clearly demarcating sites and putting signage for all the stands is nearing completion," Gahlot said. "The coordinates for all the sites have been taken and in around three weeks the stands will appear on Google Maps. The stands will be clearly demarcated."
Auto stands will also appear on Delhi government apps/sites
Along with Google Maps, Gahlot added, the locations of new auto-rickshaw stands would also be highlighted on the websites/apps of the Delhi government, Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC), and the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC). Notably, the work for identifying auto-rickshaw stands began in July. After that, the Public Works Department and the District Magistrates started setting up signage on the identified stand locations.
Marked stands would also help auto drivers in the capital
The move to set up auto-rickshaw stands and show them on Maps will not only make life easier for commuters and people looking for autos, but also for the drivers. Essentially, they will have a proper place for halt-and-go and will be able to avoid getting fined unnecessarily by the cops, a problem they often face at the moment.
Will Google Maps introduce similar capability in other cities?
As of now, it remains unclear if Google will partner with other state governments to introduce a similar feature in other parts of India. However, if the company does so, it will be major boon for commuters.
