Ride-hailing app Uber has launched its first water transport service in India, keeping up with its promise to provide mobility to the masses.
Tourists now have the option of pre-booking Shikara rides on Dal Lake via the Uber app, enhancing their travel experiences during the bustling holiday season. Uber has confirmed that it will not be charging any fees from its shikara partners and that all proceeds would go directly to them, supporting local tourism in Jammu and Kashmir.
How to book an Uber Shikara Ride:
- Open the latest version of the Uber app
- Select start and end points as ‘Shikara Ghat No 16’ from the ‘Where to’ bar
- Select Uber Shikara
- Select the time and date (keeping in mind that services are only available from 10 am to 5 pm)
- Confirm the pick up location (Ghat 16)
- Click ‘Book’
Rides can be booked for one hour, can accommodate up to four passengers, and can be arranged up to 15 days in advance or 12 hours before departure. The service also includes trip insurance for travelers’ peace of mind.
“Uber Shikara is our humble attempt to blend technology and tradition to give a seamless experience to travellers for their shikara ride. We are proud to create this iconic experience enhancing accessibility and uplifting tourism in the breathtaking landscape of Kashmir,” Uber India and South Asia, President, Prabhjeet Singh said.
Shikara Owners Association President Wali Mohammad Bhatt has confirmed that there are around 4,000 shikaras in Dal Lake and he expects Uber to onboard more shikara partners.
Uber has also confirmed that their water transport service in India is also the first in Asia.
