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Uber Shikara service on Dal Lake faces uncertainty amid operational challenges | KNO

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Srinagar, Jan 23: Nearly a month after its much-celebrated launch, the Uber Shikara service on Srinagar’s iconic Dal Lake appears to be floundering, raising concerns about its sustainability and long-term viability. Promoted as an innovative fusion of technology and tradition, the service is now conspicuously absent from the Dal Lake waters. A check on the Uber app displays the message: “Due to severe weather conditions, currently Uber Shikara is not available.” Adding to the uncertainty, local Shikara operators claim the partnership between Uber and Shikara owners has ended. As of now, no houseboats or Shikaras branded with “Uber Shikara” are visible on the lake, leaving both locals and tourists puzzled. Launched on December 2, 2023, Uber Shikara marked Uber’s foray into water transport in India, with Srinagar becoming the first city in Asia to host such a service. Uber India and South Asia President Prabhjeet Singh had hailed the initiative as a blend of technology and heritage, promising a seamless booking experience for Shikara rides through the Uber app. Initially, the service partnered with seven Shikaras at Ghat Number 16 on Dal Lake for online bookings. However, the collaboration seems to have fizzled out within weeks. This has raised questions about whether the initiative was adequately equipped to tackle the unique challenges of operating in Dal Lake's seasonal and weather-dependent environment. Speaking with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Shikara owners shared their perspective on the service's decline. “Unlike other places, the Shikara business here is deeply impacted by weather conditions like rain and snowfall, which make it challenging for such ventures to sustain,” said one Shikara owner. Another operator added, “The deal between Uber and Shikara owners has ended, which is why the service is no longer active on Dal Lake.” The situation has led to doubts about whether Uber’s approach considered the operational realities and environmental factors associated with Dal Lake tourism. The initiative had initially garnered praise, with Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha lauding Uber Shikara as a creative use of technology to enhance cultural heritage. Locals and tourists alike had expressed enthusiasm for the service, with some even calling for similar water transport options in other regions. Efforts to gain clarity on the issue have so far proved unsuccessful. Calls and visits to the Shikara Owners Association president went unanswered. Similarly, official queries sent by KNO to Uber representatives yielded no response, and tourism officials declined to comment, saying only Uber could address the matter—(KNO)

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