Zoho Corporation's co-founder, Sridhar Vembu, has lauded MapmyIndia's Mappls app, asserting that it reflects decades of research and development, surpassing that of Google Maps. This endorsement follows recent praise from Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who showcased Mappls' features, including its 3D navigation and shop-level mapping.
Mappls, a navigation app developed by the Indian company MapmyIndia, has garnered significant attention as a "Swadeshi" alternative to foreign mapping services. The app aims to promote technological independence through #OperationSwadeshi. Vembu conveyed his appreciation for the app's innovation and the extensive research behind it, congratulating the MapmyIndia team and wishing them success. Rohan Verma, a Director at MapmyIndia, responded by thanking Vembu and acknowledging being a long-time user of Zoho CRM and Mail.
Vaishnaw posted a video on X, formerly Twitter, where he was using Mappls for navigation in his car and highlighting its standout features. He pointed out the app's 3D junction view, which helps users navigate over bridges and underpasses, and its ability to guide users within multi-story buildings.
Mappls distinguishes itself with several features tailored for the Indian context. One notable feature is the Mappls Pin, a six-character code that simplifies address sharing. The app also provides precise directions, live traffic updates, and real-time location sharing. A key differentiator is that all map data and user information are stored within India, ensuring data sovereignty and security.
MapmyIndia Mappls has also partnered with India Post to integrate a digital address system (DIGIPIN) into the Mappls app. This collaboration aims to create India's first comprehensive digital address system.
With over 35 million downloads, Mappls has demonstrated the growing trust in Indian innovation. The government is planning to collaborate with MapmyIndia to enhance public infrastructure using GIS technology.
The rise of Mappls mirrors the increasing popularity of other "Swadeshi" apps, such as Arattai, which gained attention as an alternative to WhatsApp. Sridhar Vembu mentioned that a major update was planned for November to add end-to-end encryption to Arattai.
