Indian Railways is set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the domestic navigation company, MapmyIndia, to use its Mappls app. This strategic collaboration aligns with the government’s motto of “Har Ghar Swadeshi, Ghar Ghar Swadeshi,” aiming to integrate indigenous technology into the nation’s critical infrastructure. The move signals a major step towards building a self-reliant digital ecosystem for India’s railway network.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who also holds the IT portfolio, publicly endorsed the Mappls app, highlighting its user-friendly interface based on his own first-hand experience. The app’s features, including its ability to provide detailed information on speed limits, speed breakers, traffic signals, and surveillance cameras, impressed the minister. The integration of such a comprehensive navigation system is expected to enhance the day-to-day operational activities of Indian Railways, improving efficiency and safety.
In a tweet responding to the Minister’s praise, MapmyIndia expressed its pride in being part of the swadeshi movement. The company’s official account stated:
“Moving ahead with the swadeshi movement We’re truly honoured that you used the @mappls App, which comes pre-installed in vehicles powered by MapmyIndia Maps, and appreciated features like Junction View — built to make driving in India safer, smoother, and smarter. It would be our privilege to collaborate with the @RailMinIndia to provide our MapmyIndia Maps and Mappls technology within railway applications — supporting India’s journey toward a seamless, intelligent, and Swadeshi digital infrastructure.”
The collaboration signifies a broader shift towards indigenous technological solutions for key public services. By opting for a domestic navigation partner, Indian Railways is putting its money where its mouth is and supporting a local company while fostering a more resilient and sovereign digital infrastructure. This partnership will provide a potential case study for how public and private sectors can work together to achieve national development goals.
