How One Indian Visionary Took on Google Maps—and Won Hearts
In a world dominated by global tech giants, one Indian entrepreneur dared to dream differently. Rakesh Verma, a former US-based engineer, returned to India after 12 years to build something revolutionary—MapmyIndia. Today, his homegrown mapping platform Mappls is not just a swadeshi alternative to Google Maps, but a symbol of India’s digital self-reliance.
With AI-powered traffic updates, real-time signal countdowns, and deep integration into Indian vehicles, Mappls is reshaping how Indians navigate their cities. And it all started with one man’s belief in India’s potential.
From US Corporate Life to India’s Digital Frontier
Back in the early 1990s, digital maps were a mystery to most. But Rakesh Verma saw their future. After working on General Motors’ Saturn project in the US, he left behind a stable career to return to India. His goal? To build indigenous digital maps that could serve businesses, governments, and everyday users.
Armed with an MBA from Eastern Washington University and an engineering degree from BITS Pilani, Verma founded MapmyIndia. Despite limited resources and public awareness, he stayed committed to geospatial innovation.
Mappls App: India’s Answer to Google Maps
Today, Mappls is more than just a mapping app. It powers navigation systems in cars made by Mahindra, Tata Motors, Hyundai, and more. Unlike Google Maps, Mappls runs entirely on Indian data, ensuring privacy and national tech independence.
Recent features include:
- AI-based traffic updates
- Real-time traffic signal countdowns (launched in Bengaluru)
- 3D maps and multilingual support
- Integration with India Post’s DIGIPIN system
These innovations make Mappls a vital part of India’s smart mobility ecosystem.
Swadeshi Tech Gets Government Backing
Keywords: Indian tech, swadeshi app, Ashwini Vaishnaw, MapmyIndia shares
Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently praised Mappls as a “great swadeshi app,” urging citizens to support Indian technology. His endorsement sent MapmyIndia’s stock soaring over 8%, proving that patriotic tech can also be profitable.
Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu echoed this support, calling Mappls a model for privacy-conscious innovation.
Mapping India’s Future with Indigenous Data
MapmyIndia isn’t just a business—it’s a movement. As President of the Survey and Mapping Association of India (SAMA) and Co-Chair of FICCI’s Geospatial Committee, Verma is helping shape India’s mapping policies.
His company provides solutions to:
- Government agencies
- Defence organizations
- Private enterprises
- Smart city projects
By using Indian data and AI, Mappls ensures that India’s digital infrastructure remains secure and locally controlled.
Why Mappls Matters More Than Ever
Google Maps may dominate globally, but Mappls is winning where it matters most—trust, privacy, and local relevance. With Google Maps generating $11.1 billion in global revenue (Morgan Stanley, 2023), MapmyIndia’s rise shows that Indian tech can compete on the world stage.
And unlike foreign platforms, Mappls is built for India, by India.
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🔗 Official & Informational Links
- Mappls Official Website – Explore features, download the app, and learn about its technology:
Mappls – Super Map App Mappls - Mappls App Overview – Deep dive into its features like 3D junction view, DIGIPIN, and AI traffic:
Mappls App Features Mappls - MapmyIndia Company Profile – Background on the company, founders, and its evolution:
MapmyIndia on Wikipedia Wikipedia - DIGIPIN by India Post – Learn about India’s geo-coded addressing system integrated with Mappls:
India Post DIGIPIN Initiative India Post
Endorsements & News Coverage
- Ashwini Vaishnaw’s Endorsement – Union IT Minister praises Mappls as a “great swadeshi app”:
Times of India Coverage Times of India - Sridhar Vembu’s Support – Zoho founder calls Mappls a product of decades of R&D:
Mint Article on Vembu’s Praise Mint
