Google on Wednesday, June 26 introduced yet another feature on Google Maps that is targeted at the app's Indian users. Google Maps' Stay Feature is intended to enhance the safety of people travelling via cabs and auto-rickshaws by helping them keep a track of their route.

The Stay Safer feature of Google Maps will essentially alert and notify users travelling in taxis and auto-rickshaws when their vehicle goes off-route. It will also share the live status of their trips with their family and friends, which in turn would help them keep a track of their whereabouts.

"Through our extensive research across India, we found that a lot of people limit their mobility due to safety-related concerns. To address this, we are launching another India-first feature that will deliver a more relevant and reliable experience to our users...At Google Maps, we are committed to helping make journeys safe and hassle-free and look forward to bringing more experiences like this to India and beyond," Amanda Bishop, Product Manager, Google Maps said in a statement.

Using Google Maps' Stay Safer feature is extremely easy. All you need to do is follow these simple steps:

- Download the latest version of Google Maps on your smartphone.

- Search for your destination and tap on Get Directions option.

- Now tap on Stay Safer option.

- In the menu bar that opens, tap on Share Live Trip option and select the contact with who you want to share your live location.

- Tap on Get Off-Route Alerts options to know if your driver is diverting from the track.

Google says that if your cab or your auto-rickshaw driver deviates more than 0.5KM from the Google Maps suggested route, the phone will buzz with a notification which will notify users about the change. Users can then tap on the notification to see where they are compared to the original route. They can then share the live trip details with their friends and family directly while keeping a track of their journey.

Notably, the feature is available only on Google Maps' Android app and there is no word on when the company will roll out this feature on to its iOS app.