Gurugram: Uber has launched a water transport service in India, starting with shikara bookings on Dal Lake in Srinagar. This marks Uber’s first water transport venture in Asia.
The service, called “Uber Shikara,” allows users to book one-hour rides via the app between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. at government-mandated rates. Passengers can reserve their ride 12 hours to 15 days in advance. Currently, seven shikaras have been onboarded, with plans to expand the fleet depending on user demand, according to Uber officials.
Shikara Owners Association President Wali Mohammad Bhatt welcomed the initiative, noting its potential to provide consistent income for operators while eliminating fare negotiations. Bhatt emphasized that the digital platform could increase business opportunities for the nearly 4,000 shikaras on Dal Lake.
Prabhjeet Singh, President of Uber India and South Asia, stated that the initiative aims to integrate technology into local traditions while boosting tourism in the region. However, Uber clarified it would not charge fees from shikara operators, allowing them to retain the full earnings from bookings.
While Uber has offered water transport services in cities like Venice, this is its first such service in Asia. Uber has already been providing cab services in Srinagar.
This development comes at a time when the government has been promoting initiatives to improve regional tourism and encourage local economic activity. By digitizing shikara bookings, Uber’s entry into water transport could signal broader adoption of app-based transport services in niche markets across India.
