India Launches First ‘Uber Shikara’ Service in Srinagar

In a landmark move, Uber has launched Asia’s first water transport service, Uber Shikara, in the scenic Dal Lake in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. This innovative initiative aims to offer a seamless and modern way for tourists to experience the traditional shikara ride, a popular attraction in the region, combining technology with Kashmir’s cultural heritage. With this new service, Uber seeks to uplift tourism and provide greater accessibility, making the shikara experience more convenient and hassle-free for visitors.

Launch

• Uber Shikara was launched by Uber India and South Asia President Prabhjeet Singh, who personally inaugurated the service by booking a shikara ride via the Uber app.

Objective

• The aim is to blend technology with the traditional shikara ride, improving the accessibility and overall tourism experience in the Kashmir Valley.
• The service brings innovation to a centuries-old tradition, enhancing its appeal to modern-day tourists.

Features of Uber Shikara:

• Booking Process: Users can now book shikara rides directly through the Uber app.
• Partnership with Local Shikara Owners: Uber has collaborated with seven local shikara owners to provide the service, with plans to expand based on demand.
• Fair Pricing: The rides will be available at government-regulated rates, ensuring tourists are charged fairly for their experience.
• No Additional Fees for Partners: Uber will not charge any fees from its shikara partners, ensuring that the full fare goes directly to the boat operators.

Operational Details

Ride Availability

• Shikaras are stationed at Nehru Park, located in the heart of Dal Lake.
• Operating Hours: Uber Shikara rides are available daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m..
• Ride Duration: Each ride can last up to one hour.
• Booking Window: Rides can be booked anywhere from 12 hours to 15 days in advance.
• Passenger Capacity: Each shikara can accommodate up to four passengers.

Technology Integration

• Uber is leveraging its app-based platform to enable tourists to pre-book their rides, enhancing convenience and reducing the need for haggling with boat operators.
• Uber’s tech-driven approach aims to revolutionize the traditional boat ride experience, making it smoother and more reliable.

Tourism Impact

• Enhanced Accessibility: By using the Uber platform, tourists will find it easier to book rides, ensuring a hassle-free travel experience.
• Promotion of Kashmiri Culture: The service aims to promote the timeless charm of shikara rides, providing a seamless blend of tradition and modern technology.
• Support for Local Economy: The service benefits local shikara operators by ensuring a steady stream of customers and providing a direct payment system without intermediary charges.

Previous Services

• Uber had already established a presence in Srinagar with its cab services, and with the introduction of Uber Shikara, it aims to further enhance the tourism experience by offering a convenient, technology-enabled method of enjoying Dal Lake.