Uber introduced a water transport service on picturesque Dal Lake in India's Kashmir region on Monday, allowing tourists to book rides on the traditional wooden Shikara boats.
Users can reserve their Shikara trips through the app, with bookings required at least 12 hours and up to 15 days in advance, according to Uber officials. This marks Uber's first water transport service in India, although it already offers similar services in London and other cities.
Dal Lake is home to around 4,000 Shikaras, which are often elaborately decorated and covered with canopies. These boats are a popular choice among both locals and tourists. Uber will connect customers with Shikara operators without charging a fee for rides booked via its app, ensuring that all ticket payments go directly to the boat operators.
Prabhjeet Singh, President of Uber India and South Asia, stated, "Uber Shikara is our effort to combine technology with tradition, providing a smooth experience for travelers during their Shikara rides."
The introduction of Uber's service has sparked mixed reactions among Shikara operators. Some believe it will enhance their business by allowing tourists to book rides well ahead of time, ensuring fixed rates and eliminating the need for bargaining. However, others are skeptical, arguing that it will have little impact on their established customer base.
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