📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Javierme Javier Mediavilla Ezquibela
Technology
Google Maps Shows 13‑km Detour for 1‑km Delhi Route from GPO to Jantar Mantar
✍️ Amar Ujala · Delhi
🗓 11 Oct 2026, 06:02 AM
👁 10
On Saturday, users in Lutyens’ Delhi reported that Google Maps directed them from the General Post Office to Jantar Mantar via a route nearly 13 kilometres long, although the actual distance is about one kilometre. The glitch caused confusion and unnecessary detours for commuters.
The issue came to light on Saturday when several commuters relying on Google Maps for navigation in the Lutyens’ Delhi area noticed that the app suggested a lengthy loop instead of the short, direct path between the General Post Office and Jantar Mantar. The displayed route stretched to about 13 kilometres, far exceeding the real distance of roughly one kilometre.
Users said they followed the on‑screen directions only to find themselves circling through unfamiliar streets, wasting time and fuel before realizing the mistake. Many took to social media to share screenshots of the erroneous map, highlighting the discrepancy between the suggested and actual routes.
While the exact cause of the mapping error has not been disclosed, the incident underscores occasional inaccuracies in digital navigation tools that can affect daily travel in densely populated urban areas.
Experts advise travellers to cross‑check critical directions with local signage or alternative maps, especially when the suggested distance seems unusually long for a known short journey.
Users said they followed the on‑screen directions only to find themselves circling through unfamiliar streets, wasting time and fuel before realizing the mistake. Many took to social media to share screenshots of the erroneous map, highlighting the discrepancy between the suggested and actual routes.
While the exact cause of the mapping error has not been disclosed, the incident underscores occasional inaccuracies in digital navigation tools that can affect daily travel in densely populated urban areas.
Experts advise travellers to cross‑check critical directions with local signage or alternative maps, especially when the suggested distance seems unusually long for a known short journey.