Now, find which road is closed, on Google maps

They can find about a road closed due to repairs or other works, such as part of DN Road here. File pic/Suresh Karkera

The BMC will now provide information about closure of roads due to various works on Google, after which it will be updated on Google maps. The experiment has been implemented in some cities in India and now the service will soon be available for Mumbai.

Several infrastructure development projects are being carried out across Mumbai, and though many people use Google maps to travel in the city, information about closed roads is not on it. "Keeping this in mind and to avoid inconvenience to the citizens, this innovative initiative has been undertaken by the Information Technology Department of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The BMC will send official information of closure of roads and this will make it easier for citizens while searching on Google maps. The alternative route to the closed road will also be shown through Google maps," said Sharad Ughade, director and assistant commissioner, Department of Information Technology, the BMC.

How to look on Google maps

Google was informed about the ongoing work at Ganpatrao Kadam Road in south Mumbai in the form of a test. The information got updated with a red dotted line on the map. By clicking on this line one can see the period till when the road is closed.

The maps will also show relevant details like the cause of temporary road closure or diversion, the expected duration, etc. Besides BMC, other authorities who carry out road related developmental and monitoring works in the city, such as MMRDA, traffic police, etc. can also use this platform.