Is there a truly Indian alternative to the global mapping giant Google Maps? This question took center stage in a revealing conversation with Rakesh Verma, the co-founder of MapmyIndia (also known as Mappls). In an exclusive dialogue with Prasad Sanyal, Group Business Head at the Times of India, Verma shared profound insights into the vast opportunities unfolding in India's geospatial sector and the personal journey that brought him back to his homeland.
The Defining Moment: A Return From The United States
Rakesh Verma disclosed a pivotal moment that influenced his critical life decision to return to India from the United States. While the specific details of that moment were part of the candid conversation, it underscored a powerful drive to contribute to India's technological self-reliance. This move was not just a career shift but a commitment to building indigenous capabilities in a strategically important field like digital mapping and location technology.
Verma's return and subsequent work with MapmyIndia position the company as a flagship Indian alternative to Google Maps. The discussion highlighted how homegrown solutions are crucial for national security, data sovereignty, and tailoring services to the unique complexities of Indian geography and addressing systems.
Unlocking India's Geospatial Potential
The conversation with Prasad Sanyal delved deep into the burgeoning opportunities within India's geospatial sector. Verma elaborated on how this technology is no longer just about navigation but forms the backbone for a multitude of modern applications.
The geospatial sector is integral to the development of smart cities, logistics, agriculture, disaster management, and a wide array of government and private sector initiatives. With the Indian government's supportive policies and the push for digitalization, the sector is poised for explosive growth. Verma's insights suggest that Indian companies like MapmyIndia are uniquely positioned to understand and map the country's diverse landscape more accurately and contextually than foreign counterparts.
MapmyIndia: Building A Sovereign Mapping Ecosystem
MapmyIndia, under the leadership of visionaries like Rakesh Verma, represents more than just an app. It is a comprehensive mapping and location-based services ecosystem. The platform, branded as Mappls, offers detailed digital maps, navigation, tracking, and GIS solutions built with Indian data for Indian needs.
The company emphasizes data privacy and national security, key concerns that have prompted many users and government agencies to look for reliable domestic alternatives. By providing precise, hyper-local data, MapmyIndia aims to power the next wave of technological innovation across industries, from e-commerce and transportation to urban planning and defense.
The interview, which took place on December 17, 2025, serves as a significant marker of India's growing confidence in its technological prowess. It highlights a clear vision where Indian startups are not just participants but leaders in creating critical digital infrastructure for the nation and the world.
