Srinagar, Jan 22: Launched last month as a first-of-its-kind service in Asia to enhance accessibility for travellers and boost tourism in Kashmir, the much-celebrated Uber Shikara service has suddenly disappeared from the banks of the iconic Dal Lake.
At Ghat Number 16, where nearly seven Shikaras were initially enlisted for the service during its formal announcement on December 2 last year, there is no sign of the initiative now.
Even the banner bearing the words ‘Uber Shikara’ is gone.
The Uber mobile application, which facilitated bookings for Shikaras under the initiative, now states that the service is unavailable due to bad weather.
The sudden suspension of the service has left Shikara owners puzzled, stating that they are unaware of what prompted the company to halt operations.
“It was a good initiative, but the service is no longer operational here for reasons best known to the company,” said a Shikara owner, who wished to remain anonymous.
“It was a unique move that could have boosted the number of tourists opting for Shikara rides,” he said.
Another Shikara owner mentioned that he was told the initiative was started as a “trial,” which, he claimed, has now been completed and apparently wound up.
However, at the launch, the company had not mentioned any such plans-rather, it emphasized that the fleet would expand over time.
While Uber claims to offer water transport services in select European cities, including Venice, Italy, it appears to have failed to sustain the ‘Uber Shikara’ service in Kashmir.
The company has not issued any statement regarding the suspension of the service or provided any reasons that might have hindered its operations.
When the service launched, it garnered significant attention locally, nationally, and internationally. Many praised it as a noteworthy blend of technology and tradition.
The praise even came from the administration, which lauded the company for its “futuristic vision,” which would provide a seamless experience to visitors in the upcoming tourist season.
At the launch, Uber expressed pride in introducing the iconic service, aimed at improving accessibility and promoting tourism in Kashmir.
The company had also announced plans to expand the fleet based on user feedback, allowing bookings for shikara rides up to 12 hours in advance and as far as 15 days ahead.
