The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is developing its own global positioning system (GPS), which is expected to be operational by next year.
The indigenously developed Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) is to replace US GPS, according to an ISRO official.
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The system will also provide clear navigation and monitoring of vessels such as trucks and ships, as well as better access to remote areas.
ISRO publication and public relations director Deviprasad Karnik was quoted by IANS as saying: "We will have our own position determination system using our own navigation constellation, the IRNSS series, which will be operational by middle of next year.
"The US is offering the GPS navigation. IRNSS is indigenous."
Four of the seven satellites of IRNSS constellation are currently in orbit and ISRO is expecting to launch the rest of three satellites by next year.
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By GlobalDataThe system will also offer app-based positioning service.
Karnik further added: "Once the constellation is completed, we need some time to establish the accuracy part, validation and other things. The advantage is that the navigation range has been designed to span around a 1,500km radius around India.
"GPS is not available at all places. Signal is weak in remote areas but our own signal will be available in remote areas with better accuracy.
"Monitoring and effective management of fleet of trucks or ship monitoring will be done through spacecraft. For example, for ships the system can inform which route will be more effective. That will save time and fuel."
China is also currently developing its own Beidou navigation system, which is expected to be fully operational by 2020.
In order to provide full worldwide coverage, China is planning to place 35 satellites in orbit, 20 of which are already running in space.
