Why Are Major Odisha Cities Missing Odia Script on Google Maps?

Social media users are voicing their concerns about the absence of Odia script for major cities in Odisha on Google Maps. Highlighting that other states feature city names in both English and their regional languages, they are calling for action to address this issue. Users suggest starting discussions on various platforms and tagging authorities to raise awareness. The conversation has gained momentum, with many advocating for coordinated efforts to ensure the inclusion of Odia script on Google Maps. This growing movement reflects a desire to preserve and promote regional identity in digital spaces.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 28, 2026, 15:45 IST

Concerns Over Odia Script Absence on Google Maps

Bhubaneswar: Users on social media have expressed their dissatisfaction regarding the lack of Odia script for prominent cities in Odisha on Google Maps. They have observed that many other states feature city names in both English and their respective regional languages.

A Reddit user highlighted that cities like New Delhi and Mumbai are displayed in English and Hindi, while Hyderabad shows names in English and Telugu. Similarly, Kochi appears in English and Malayalam, Bengaluru in English and Kannada, Ahmedabad in Gujarati and English, Kolkata in Bengali and English, and Chennai in English and Tamil. However, Bhubaneswar and other towns in Odisha are represented solely in English.

In a post gaining traction online, the user questioned the absence of Odia script and sought advice on how to tackle this issue.

Why and What can we do ?
by
u/dhauliexpress in
Odisha

One user mentioned that they had previously contacted Google Maps via Twitter but only received a generic reply indicating that the issue would be reviewed, with no follow-up provided.

The user suggested initiating a discussion thread and raising the matter on Twitter and other platforms by tagging government officials and relevant authorities to garner the necessary attention, invoking the concept of 'Odia asmita.'

Another participant proposed making the issue trend on X, connecting it to broader civic demands. "Can we make it a trend on X?" the comment stated.

This matter has gained significant traction online, with users advocating for a collective effort to request the inclusion of Odia script on Google Maps.