You’re reading this here first: Google has launched a local search engine for India: Google Local. The site is currently in beta, and at http://local.google.co.in/. At the same time, http://local.google.com directs to Google Maps. More later, I’m just going to give Google Local a go.

SEE ALSO: JustDial Goes Mobile With WAP Site; No SMS Service?

Update:
The site’s still being developed - the Terms and Conditions and Help links to Google Maps pages. There are features reviews, apparently powered by Tripadvisor and Burrp, photos and weblinks. The site is by no means comprehensive, and businesses that are not listed, can add their details here. Compare results for Google Local with that for Guruji which uses Infomedia‘s data, for Pubs in Chandigarh.

Google has apparently decided to go solo for Local, and doesn’t seem to be relying rely on existing databases (like those of Infomedia and JustDial) tied up with Indiacom and Infomedia for listings. However, I’m surprised that they aren’t allowing users to add/update data: one major issue with existing local information databases in India is their redundancy, primarily due to the cost involved in updating. Is crowdsourcing a part of Google’ plans for Local (like for Google Maps)?

This launch would he a major dampener for existing local search engines/information sites - JustDial (SAIF Partners funded), Guruji (Sequoia Capital funded), Laila (Matrix Partners funded), Zook from Ziva Software (funding from Nadathur), MIH’s Dwaar, Burrp, OnYoMo. Some of them were considered to be possible acquisition targets for Google.

Update: Well, I thought we had the story it first, but as is pointed out in the comments, a Google employee had blogged about it earlier. We got the story independently.

Update: Google has issued a press release for the launch of two services: Google Local, and Google Search in 14 Indic languages, which we had reported on Thursday.