Flipkart contributes to the ‘Smart Cities’ mission, soon to launch its map services in association with MapUnity

Founded in 2007 by Sachin and Binny Bansal, and now, one of the largest e-commerce platforms in India, Flipkart is busy in some or the other acquisitions or mergers. In April 2016, it acquired PhonePe, the first app based on Unified Payment Interface in order to help Flipkart to ease out the payment system for the buyers.

Now, it’s time for a merger! Flipkart has associated with MapUnity, a Bangalore-based Social Technology Lab founded by Dr. Ashwin Mahesh, to  come up with its own map services to be named as Flipkart Maps. Not to forget, Flipkart had acquired 34% stake for $240 million in MapMyIndia, a Delhi-based digital mapping company in the year 2015.

The map services covers 126 cities including all the selected cities in the ‘Smart Cities’ mission. Flipkart Maps aims to compete with Google Maps by offering comprehensive and accurate location data that allows the customers to deliver a customized navigating experience.

Flipkart Maps plans to enhance its position in the logistics and supply chain industry since the transportation will be more flexible and allow immediate changes. In addition, it will be able to  independently provide information on traffic and transportation to local authorities and boost its shipment delivery process. Some agencies in Bengaluru like BWSSB, BMTC, BMRDA and BDA are integrating these map services on their platforms.

Takeaways:

• Flipkart associates with MapUnity to bring its own map services, Flipkart Maps.
• Flipkart Maps plans to boost its position in the logistics and supply chain industry.
• The map services covers 126 cities including all the selected cities in the ‘Smart Cities’ mission.