Google Maps Misguides Family in Himachal Pradesh, Raising Safety Concerns
Incident in Solan District Highlights Navigation Risks
SOLAN: A recent incident has sparked serious concerns regarding the dependability of digital navigation systems, particularly Google Maps.
In the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh, a family narrowly avoided a tragic accident after following a route suggested by Google Maps. This incident echoes a similar tragedy in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, last year, where three individuals lost their lives when their vehicle plunged into a river while heading to a wedding.
Exam Trip Turns into a Hazardous Journey
The latest event involved a family from Nalagarh traveling to Una for their daughter's important examination. Instead of taking the safer main highway through Bharatgarh and Kiratpur, they opted for a route recommended by Google Maps, which led them to the perilous Dabhauta bridge path.
Unbeknownst to them, the Dabhauta bridge had been washed away nearly two years prior and remained in a dangerous state. As they approached the river near the collapsed bridge, their vehicle was swept away by a strong current, drifting for several kilometers.
Fortunately, local villagers acted swiftly and rescued all passengers. While the family sustained minor injuries, their car incurred significant damage, reportedly amounting to several lakhs.
Community Outrage and Calls for Action
Residents of the Dabhauta panchayat expressed their anger after the incident, noting that Google Maps still lists the destroyed bridge as a viable route. The panchayat pradhan stated, “This isn’t the first occurrence. People are frequently misled onto this path, especially during the monsoon when the river becomes more treacherous.”
Local leaders are urging for the installation of clear warning signs, barricades, and updates on both the ground and within digital mapping services. “We advise travelers to utilize the safer Bodhla route instead of relying solely on online navigation tools,” the pradhan added. He criticized both the Himachal Pradesh and Punjab governments for their inaction regarding the bridge's reconstruction, accusing them of neglecting public safety.
This incident is not an isolated case. In November 2024, a similar tragedy occurred in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, where three men following a Google Maps route were led into a swollen river, resulting in their immediate deaths.
“The recurrence of such incidents underscores a significant issue: while Google Maps is a popular navigation tool trusted by millions in India, it often lacks real-time updates in remote or disaster-prone areas. Inaccuracies regarding damaged bridges or flooded roads can lead to severe consequences,” the pradhan remarked.