'This happens only in...': Google Maps marks car stuck in Bengaluru traffic as parking spot, netizens react

Bengaluru, known as India's tech hub, has long struggled with severe traffic congestion, even making international headlines for its infamous jams. Despite the presence of numerous tunnels, elevated corridors, and flyovers, commuters face daily challenges during peak hours. In a peculiar incident highlighting the city's traffic issues, Google Maps was misled into identifying a section of Bengaluru's road as a parking spot after a vehicle remained stuck for an extended period.

A Reddit user recently posted a screenshot of Google Maps indicating that his location was marked as a parking spot. The individual explained that he had been trapped in traffic on the Domlur flyover for several hours, leading to the hilarious confusion. "I was stuck in traffic on Domlur flyover for so long today that Google Maps thinks I parked there," he captioned the image.

The post quickly gained attention online, eliciting a variety of responses from social media users. While some offered explanations for why his location was marked as a parking spot, others found humour in the situation. One user commented, “Technically, you are parked if you are not moving," while another noted, “Google Maps doesn’t determine whether we parked based on how long we stay in one spot. It does so when your Bluetooth disconnects from the car. So, it’s likely you turned off your car to save fuel, leading Google Maps to assume you were parked. Good luck with Bangalore traffic."

I was stuck in traffic on Domlur flyover for so long today that Google Maps thinks I parked there
byu/jollypiraterum inbangalore

Another user said, "Be glad that Google didn't mark it as your home." A seperate user said, "This happens only in India."

However, this isn't the first time Google has encountered Bengaluru's traffic challenges. In July 2024, Google Maps acknowledged that walking could be quicker than driving in the city. A user posted a screenshot on X, comparing the travel times from Brigade Metropolis to KR Puram Railway Station. Covering a distance of approximately six kilometers, the image indicated that walking would take 42 minutes, while driving would take 44 minutes to reach the same destination.