Google Maps to Help Guide Pandal-Hoppers During Durga Puja

Google Maps has joined the spirit of the biggest festival of Bengal, Durga Puja, offering route guide to pandal-hoppers with live traffic updates.

Google said it was working with Kolkata Police to identify and put the "top pandals" of the city on Google Maps with customised icons and the service will go live by October 6 evening.

"The initiative will help the people of Kolkata get to their chosen destination quickly and seamlessly during the Durga Puja days. Google will also offer the updated road restrictions and one-ways information on Google Maps as shared directly by the traffic police, enabling people to get to their destinations quickly and conveniently by identifying alternative routes," a Google release said today. One can search for a Durga pandal by name and get routed there. One can also select the icons to know more about the pandal.

"Our goal is to continue making Google Maps a handy commute companion for everyone. If you are hopping from one pandal in south Kolkata to another in north, Google Maps will alert you about the traffic condition and help you save time.

Moreover, since traffic rules change during the day and night, Google Maps will give you the latest updated information," Google Product Manager Sanket Gupta said.

There are a few apps such as 'Utsavapp' on Durga Puja to make pandal-hopping easy.