A ride-hailing company, Ola, has ceased using Google Maps and switched to its own mapping service, Ola Maps, for managing cab operations. This strategic move, announced by Bhavish Aggarwal, co-founder and Chairman of Ola Group, is expected to save the company nearly Rs 100 crore annually.
In a social media post, Aggarwal urged users to update their Ola apps to ensure a seamless experience with the new mapping service. He stated, "After Azure exit last month, we’ve now fully exited Google Maps. We used to spend Rs 100 cr a year but we’ve made that 0 this month by moving completely to our in-house Ola maps! Check your Ola app and update if needed."
Ola Maps will soon integrate a variety of new features, including street view, NERFs, indoor images, 3D maps, and drone maps. "Many more features coming soon - street view, NERFs, indoor images, 3D maps, drone maps, etc!" Aggarwal mentioned in another social media update.
This development follows Ola's acquisition of GeoSpoc, a Pune-based geospatial services provider, in October 2021. Ola Maps now serves the company's primary ride-hailing app, Ola Cabs. Last month, Aggarwal also ended all ties with Microsoft Azure, transferring Ola’s entire workload to the in-house Artificial Intelligence (AI) firm, Krutrim.
