[Feature Suggestion] Add Waterway and Ferry Route Support in Google Maps for Char Areas

[NasimJ]

Hello Local Guides,

I want to raise an important issue that affects thousands of people living in river-surrounded regions of Bangladesh — especially those living in remote char (island-like) areas where there are no roads, but active communication and transportation still happen through waterways.

Real Example: Char Algi, Pakundia, Kishoreganj

There is a place called Char Algi, located in Pakundia Upazila of Kishoreganj District, surrounded by the Old Brahmaputra River. More than thousands of family live here. Here is my grandparents house. For that reason, I’m usually go this area every months. This area is accessible only by boat or ferry, as it’s separated from the mainland by a wide river channel.

For hundreds of years, the people here have depended on traditional boats and engine-driven ferries for travel, trade, school, emergency, and daily needs.

But still, when I try to navigate to this area using Google Maps, it shows it as inaccessible or disconnected, simply because there is no road.
However, in real life, hundreds of people cross this river every day — which is part of their normal life and transport system.
This is location of Char Algi-

24°20'24.7"N 90°37'21.4"E

Why This Matters:

People living in these areas aren’t disconnected — they just use a different mode of transport (waterways).

Google Maps not showing these areas properly creates confusion for:

-First-time visitors or tourists

-Emergency services

-Delivery or aid organizations

It gives the false impression that these areas are unreachable.

My Suggestions:

1. Add “Waterway” or “Ferry Route” support in navigation settings.

2. Allow adding custom boat routes in Maps by Local Guides.

3. Mark places as “Accessible via Boat” instead of “Not Accessible”.

4. Show approximate boat/ferry times like transit timing.

I hope this request will be considered seriously. People in river-surrounded regions deserve to be equally represented in Maps.

Let’s make Google Maps more inclusive for everyone, everywhere – even beyond the roads.

Thank you!

– Nasim M Joy
Local Guide | Leve 8
Photographer & Solo Traveler
From Bangladesh

[Trishatishu]

you are doing something extraordinary for remote Areas Route declaration as how command Their travel path via by ferry or boat. That’s praiseworthy @NasimJ

[iyudhi]

@NasimJ you definitel raised really good points. I know many countries will benefit from having this. Make sure to send feedback to the Google Maps team

How to send us feedback in Google Maps

[MohammadPalash]

গুরুত্বপূর্ণ কিছু পয়েন্ট তুলে ধরেছেন ভাই শুভ কামনা রইলো @NasimJ

[NandKK]

Hello @NasimJ

This is a very important and thoughtful issue you’ve raised. The reality of riverine and char communities relying on waterways as their primary mode of transport is often overlooked in mainstream mapping platforms. Your suggestions like adding “Waterway” navigation, ferry routes, and marking areas as “Accessible via Boat” would greatly improve accuracy and usability for locals and visitors alike.

Highlighting these needs can help emergency services, travelers, and delivery systems better serve these communities, reducing confusion and increasing safety.

I fully support your call for more inclusive mapping that reflects the true diversity of transportation methods beyond roads. Thank you for bringing this to attention with such clarity and passion!

[Soykot_azam]

Great idea @NasimJ for island & those who live there. Hope it will considered & take necessary steps from Google maps.
I want to tag @SoniaK apu

[SoniaK]

That’s a brilliant idea, @NasimJ . I am sure this will help many people, not just in Bangladesh, but in many other countries. I am tagging @Julie_A here to have a look and take this suggestion to the team if they can work it out.
Thank you @Soykot_azam for tagging me here.

[NasimJ]

Thank you @SoniaK apu

[SadmanRafid]

Highly appreciate for raising this issue. After the inauguration of Padma Bridge, many passenger ferry routes in southern Bangladesh were discontinued due to low demand, and some new routes have emerged to keep the vessels in service. But the local guides don’t have the option to add or change these routes.