Ride-hailing giant Uber has introduced its first water transport service in India, offering bookings for shikara rides on Dal Lake in Srinagar through its app. This marks Uber’s first venture of its kind in Asia, blending technology with tradition to enhance tourism in the scenic region of Kashmir.
The service, called Uber Shikara, allows users to book one-hour rides between 10 am and 5 pm, accommodating up to four passengers per shikara from Shikara Ghat No. 16. Bookings can be made 12 hours to 15 days in advance, with rates fixed by the government. Initially, seven shikaras have been onboarded, with plans to expand based on demand.
Prabhjeet Singh, President of Uber India and South Asia, highlighted the initiative’s potential to elevate tourism and support local livelihoods, stating, “Uber Shikara is our humble attempt to blend technology and tradition, creating a seamless and iconic travel experience.”
Notably, Uber will not charge fees from its shikara partners, ensuring that all earnings go directly to the operators. This move has been welcomed by the Shikara Owners Association, with its President, Wali Mohammad Bhatt, predicting an increase in income for operators and reduced bargaining for tourists.
This service complements Uber’s existing cab booking operations in Srinagar and adds a unique offering to its portfolio, enhancing accessibility and boosting tourism in the region.
