Shikara owners welcome Uber’s ‘Shikara Service’ on Dal Lake

Shikara owners have welcomed the move by ride hailing app Uber to launch India’s first app-based water transport service, ‘Uber Shikara’, that offers pre-booked rides on Srinagar’s iconic Dal Lake at fixed rates.

Dal Lake, often referred to as the jewel of Kashmir, has long been a symbol of the region’s culture and charm. Among its most captivating features are the Shikaras ornate wooden boats that have graced its waters for centuries. In a significant move to preserve and promote this tradition, a modern twist has been added with the introduction of Uber Shikara, launched by Uber, a transportation and ride sharing company.

The introduction of Uber Shikara is a groundbreaking initiative, making it the first special service of its kind in Asia. Currently, only seven Shikaras have been brought on board for the launch, but there are plans to expand the fleet significantly. What sets this service apart is the use of technology to offer pre-booked rides at government-approved fixed rates.

As Kashmir prepares to welcome travellers for the winter season, Uber Shikara is expected to enhance the region’s appeal. The pre-booking service, combined with government-regulated rates, ensures that the Shikara ride becomes an accessible and stress-free experience for all. Shikaras have served as a vital part of Srinagar’s identity, offering everything from serene rides for tourists to floating markets that provide fresh produce and crafts. The boats are intricately designed, with canopies and cushioned seats, offering a serene way to explore the beauty of Dal Lake and its surroundings.

According to a press statement by Uber, through its platform, tourists can now book their Shikara rides up to 15 days in advance, offering convenience during the busy holiday season. This pre-booking feature ensures that visitors can plan their trips without worrying about last-minute arrangements or fluctuating prices.

“At Uber, we are always looking to make mobility magical and effortless. 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,” says Prabhjeet Singh, President of Uber India & South Asia.

‘Uber Shikara’ has brought much-needed transparency and fairness to Shikara rides. With government-approved rates now fixed at INR 800 per hour, tourists no longer face inflated prices.

The initiative has been welcomed by Shikara operators and owners who also look forward to a seamless interaction with their clients instead of the current system dominated by intense haggling over prices.

“This initiative by Uber is truly innovative and a welcome change for the Shikara community. As of now, only a few Shikara owners are part of this programme, but we expect it to expand significantly by the summer season. The biggest advantage is that the bargaining system, which often caused confusion and dissatisfaction among tourists, has ended. Now, the rate is fixed at INR 800 for an hour-long ride, which is fair and transparent. Previously, tourists were often charged anywhere between INR 2,000 to INR 3,000  or even more for the same duration, leading to complaints and occasional disputes. This fixed pricing system ensures a better experience for tourists and creates a reliable source of income for us. It is a very positive step forward for both the Shikara owners and the tourism industry in Kashmir,” Wali Mohammed Bhat, President of the Shikara Association tells Media India Group.

The statement adds that the entire fee for each ride goes directly to the Shikara owners. This move creates additional economic opportunities for the grassroots workers who rely on tourism for their livelihood. Shikara owners, too, see this as a promising step toward improving their livelihoods while offering a seamless experience for visitors.

“Shikaras have been around for generations and they are more than just boats they are a symbol of our culture, people come from all over the world to experience this ride and it is our pride to showcase Dal Lake through these boats this initiative not only modernises our services but also ensures fairness for both Shikara owners and tourists,” Mohammad Ismail, a Shikara owner,ds tells Media India Group.

“For us, this is a chance to earn more and reach more tourists. Earlier, many tourists were hesitant because they didn’t know the rates or how to book a ride. Now, everything is clear and we can focus on providing the best experience,” Ismail adds.

The Uber Shikara initiative has also generated excitement among Shikara riders who are yet to join the platform. Many see this as an opportunity to streamline their business while providing a better experience for tourists. Riders believe this could pave the way for more structured tourism in Kashmir.

“I think this is a great initiative, and I would love to tie up with Uber if given the chance. It is good for us because tourists trust fixed rates and are more likely to book rides. Right now, we spend a lot of time negotiating prices, which sometimes frustrates visitors and wastes valuable time. With Uber, everything is clear and professional, which will only help us attract more tourists in the long run,” said Imran Dar, a Shikara rider tells Media India Group.

The launch of Uber Shikara has not only been welcomed by Shikara owners but also by local residents, who see it as a positive step toward modernising tourism in Kashmir.

“This is a fantastic initiative for Kashmir and a step in the right direction. Uber Shikara brings innovation and structure to one of our most cherished traditions. It not only promotes tourism but also supports the livelihoods of Shikara owners by eliminating bargaining issues and offering fixed rates. We need more such developments in Kashmir that combine our rich heritage with modern technology to boost the local economy and attract more visitors,” Rumaisa Lone 28-year-old resident of Hazratbal Srinagar tells Media India Group.

The launch of Uber Shikara has addressed long-standing issues of overcharging and middlemen in Dal Lake’s iconic Shikara rides. Previously, many locals and tourists hesitated to enjoy this experience due to inconsistent pricing and the involvement of intermediaries. With transparent, government-approved rates and pre-booking options, the initiative has brought much-needed trust and accessibility to the process, benefiting both visitors and the local community.

“This initiative gives Kashmir a chance to showcase its heritage in a modern way. Earlier, many locals and tourists hesitated to take Shikara rides because the riders often charged varying amounts, sometimes excessively high. Middlemen would also get involved, further complicating things. Now, with fixed rates and pre-booking options, everything is transparent and reliable. It is a win-win for both tourists and us locals, as more visitors mean better business opportunities for everyone in the area,” Safeena Yatoo, 25-year-old resident of Baramulla tells Media India Group.

As of now, this initiative is in its early stages, with plans to scale up and include more Shikaras in the coming months. For now, the seven boats symbolise a promising start to a future where the harmony of technology and tradition can create memorable experiences for visitors and sustainable livelihoods for the people of Kashmir.