LG congratulates all stakeholders
Excelsior Correspondent
Jammu, Dec 2: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has congratulated all the stakeholders of the tourism sector of J&K on the launch of Uber Shikara services in Srinagar.
In a social media post, the Lieutenant Governor said the launch of the Uber Shikara services will provide visitors a seamless way to experience the timeless charm of Shikara rides. Commending the Uber for their futuristic vision, he said the Uber Shikara in Srinagar is a testament to creative ways technology can enhance our cultural heritage.
“Launch of Uber Shikara in Srinagar is a testament to creative ways technology can enhance our cultural heritage. This offering in upcoming tourist season will provide visitors a seamless way to experience timeless charm of Shikara rides, a hallmark of J&K’s beauty.
“I commend Uber for their futuristic vision, enabling convenient access to serene experiences while boosting local tourism. Together, we are showcasing splendor of crown of India to the world. Winter is upon us, & people of J&K invite you all to enjoy this magical season in paradise”, the LG wrote on X.
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Meanwhile, in a bid to move beyond cabs and capitalize on the growing influx of tourists to Kashmir, Uber India today launched its first water transport service for shikaras at the iconic Dal lake.
The service, according to the company, features options such as pre-booking and trip insurance for shikara rides booked via its mobile app.
“Uber Shikara is our humble attempt to blend technology with tradition, providing travellers with a seamless and memorable experience during their shikara rides,” said Prabhjeet Singh, president of Uber India and South Asia.
He added that the company takes pride in introducing this iconic service to enhance accessibility and promote tourism in Kashmir.
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Users can book shikara rides up to 12 hours in advance and as far as 15 days ahead. Dal Lake, globally renowned for its houseboats and shikaras, is a defining symbol of Kashmir.
To start, Uber has boarded seven shikaras and plans to expand the fleet based on user response.
The company also highlighted that this water transport service is not only the first of its kind in India but also in Asia.
Uber currently offers similar water transport services in select European cities, including Venice, Italy, a company spokesperson stated. Dal lake has around 4,000 shikaras in operation.
Through the Uber Shikara service, users will be able to book rides at government-approved rates. Importantly, there will be no commission for Uber; the full amount will go directly to the shikara owners.
“This initiative will boost our business,” said Wali Mohammad Bhat, president of the Shikara Owners Association. “With Government-regulated rates in place, there’s no room for overpricing. We hope this adds a feather to Kashmir’s tourism sector and improves our livelihoods.”
While many shikara owners are optimistic about the initiative’s potential to increase earnings, others remain skeptical.
Some operators believe the Uber service will make little difference, noting that they already cater to their own customer base and expect limited impact from the new offering.
Javed Ahmad, a shikara operator, told Excelsior that this will benefit the company and they won’t be impacted. “We have our own customer base, launch of service by Uber can’t impact our business,” he said.
Notably, shikaras, the iconic wooden boats of Kashmir, gliding on the serene Dal lake, offer a rich blend of tradition and charm to locals and visitors alike.
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