Google Maps misroutes driver to pond while navigating to Delhi
A driver traveling from Buxar, Bihar to New Delhi followed Google Maps directions and was routed to a pond's edge instead of the highway. The driver noticed the water body and stopped before continuing, then posted a video of the incident on Instagram that went viral.
What happened
A driver traveling from Buxar, Bihar to New Delhi used Google Maps for navigation. After exiting the highway, Google Maps directed him onto a dirt road that led to a pond's edge instead of continuing on road routes.
The driver noticed the water body before proceeding further and stopped. He then recorded a video of the incident and posted it on Instagram under the username @ypankaj225.
Reported impact
The video went viral, receiving over 100,000 views and more than 1,000 likes on Instagram, sparking widespread discussion online. Users commented on the potential danger of following Google Maps directions without verifying the route independently.
Index analysis
According to the articles, Google Maps has an 'Avoid Ferries' setting option that, if enabled, would have shown road-based routes instead of water-based paths. The user did not appear to be aware of this feature when following the directions.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
This record was researched and written by the Index from original reporting. Its sources are still being verified by an editor, and they are listed here once that check is complete. Until then the record carries no reviewer.