Uber has launched its first water transport service in India, introducing Uber Shikara on the iconic Dal Lake in Srinagar. This marks Uber’s first water-based service in Asia, adding to similar services in European destinations like Venice, Italy.
Pre-Book Scenic Rides on Dal Lake
With Uber Shikara, tourists can pre-book peaceful shikara rides on Dal Lake through the Uber app. The service operates daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering one-hour rides for up to four passengers. Customers can book their rides between 12 hours and 15 days in advance using the Uber Reserve feature.
Prabhjeet Singh, President of Uber India & South Asia, stated, “Uber Shikara combines technology with tradition to give travelers a seamless experience while supporting tourism in the beautiful landscape of Kashmir.”
Supporting Local Shikara Operators
Uber Shikara directly benefits the local economy. Uber has waived platform fees, allowing shikara operators to earn the entire fare. Additionally, rides are booked at government-approved rates, eliminating the need for tourists to bargain.
Wali Mohammad Bhatt, President of the Shikara Owners Association, welcomed the initiative. “This service will provide assured income to Dal Lake’s 4,000 shikara operators while making the booking process easier for tourists. We hope more operators join Uber as demand grows,” he said.
Currently, the service has started with seven shikaras, with plans to expand based on tourist response.
Simple Booking Process
Booking an Uber Shikara ride is easy:
- Update the Uber app.
- Set “Shikara Ghat No. 16” as both the pick-up and drop-off points.
- Choose the desired time and date.
- Select Uber Shikara and confirm the booking.
Enhancing Tourism in Kashmir
Uber Shikara aims to simplify travel planning for visitors, letting them enjoy the serene beauty of Dal Lake without last-minute hassles. By blending technology and local culture, Uber is helping to promote Kashmir’s rich tourism potential while uplifting the livelihood of shikara operators.
This innovative service highlights Uber’s efforts to make travel both memorable and convenient, further boosting the region’s appeal to tourists.
