The Biz Reporter
Srinagar, Jan 23 – The much-anticipated Uber Shikara service, launched just last month to enhance travel accessibility and promote tourism in Kashmir, has unexpectedly vanished from the shores of the iconic Dal Lake. The initiative, which marked the first of its kind in Asia, was launched with great fanfare on December 2, 2024, but now seems to have disappeared overnight.
At Ghat Number 16, the site where nearly seven Shikaras were initially enlisted for the service, there is no trace left of the Uber Shikara initiative. The promotional banner proudly displaying ‘Uber Shikara’ has also been removed. Users attempting to book rides via the Uber app are met with a frustrating message notifying them that the service is unavailable due to “bad weather.”
Confusion Among Local Shikara Owners
The unexpected halt of the service has left local Shikara owners baffled. “It was a good initiative, but the service is no longer operational here for reasons best known to the company,” shared one Shikara owner who preferred to remain anonymous. Another owner revealed he had been informed that the service was a “trial” that has now concluded, a concept that had never been communicated during the launch.
A Promising Start Now in Question
When Uber Shikara was inaugurated, it drew significant attention from various sectors, being praised as an innovative blend of technology and tradition. The administration hailed the initiative as a “futuristic vision” that would enhance the tourist experience in the region.
Uber had announced plans to expand the Shikara fleet based on user feedback and set policies that allowed bookings up to 12 hours in advance, and even as far as 15 days ahead. However, it now appears that these aspirations have been abruptly halted without any formal explanation from the company.
Why Did Uber Shikara Fail?
The lack of communication from Uber regarding the suspension of Shikara services raises many questions. Local tourism, which relies heavily on Shikara rides, could be severely affected by this abrupt end. While Uber operates similar water transport services in select European cities, including Venice, Italy, its latest venture in Kashmir appears to have struggled to find its footing.
A Call to Uber for Clarity
As of now, Uber has not issued any statement regarding the future of the Shikara service in Dal Lake. Tourists planning to visit Kashmir and local Shikara owners alike are left in the dark, uncertain about the reasons for this sudden discontinuation.
The public is left wondering if this disappearance is a permanent halt or a temporary setback. Any clarity from Uber on this matter could help restore hope among the local tourism community and Shikara owners, who saw a bright future with the Uber Shikara initiative.
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Related Links:
- Explore More About Uber Shikara Services
- Tourism in Kashmir: Opportunities and Challenges
- Experience the Beauty of Dal Lake: A Traveler’s Guide
As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on Uber to see if they can re-establish this promising service or if it will become just another footnote in the ongoing story of Kashmir’s tourism industry.
