Connect with us

Latest News

Uber Takes to the Waters: Launches Boat-Hailing Service on Kashmir’s Dal Lake!

Published

on

Uber Takes to the Waters: Launches Boat-Hailing Service on Kashmir's Dal Lake

Uber, the global ride-hailing giant, has expanded its services to the serene waters of Dal Lake in Kashmir by introducing a boat-hailing service. This innovative offering allows users to book traditional Shikara boat rides through its app, marking a significant step in diversifying Uber’s transportation options in India.

How It Works

Booking Process

  • Advance Bookings: Users can book Shikara rides 12 hours to 15 days in advance, providing flexibility for tourists planning their itineraries.
  • No Booking Fees: Uber will not charge any booking fees; the entire fare will go directly to the Shikara operator, ensuring that local businesses benefit from the service.
  • Seamless Experience: The service aims to provide a hassle-free experience for tourists, enabling them to plan their boat rides conveniently.

Mixed Reactions from Shikara Operators

The introduction of Uber’s boat-hailing service has elicited mixed reactions from local Shikara operators:

Positive Outlook

Some operators are optimistic about the potential benefits of Uber’s entry into the market. They believe that this service will boost their business by attracting more tourists and ensuring fixed, fair rates. Wali Mohammad Bhatt, president of the Shikara Owners Association, stated:

“It will boost our business. There will be fixed rates, no cheating, and no scope for bargaining.”

Skepticism

Conversely, other operators remain skeptical about the impact of Uber’s service. They argue that their established customer base and traditional booking methods will continue to prevail. Shabir Ahmed, a Shikara operator, expressed doubt:

“We have our own customer base.”

Kashmir’s Rising Tourism

Kashmir, often referred to as the “Switzerland of India,” has witnessed a gradual increase in tourism in recent years. Despite historical tensions and security challenges, the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage continue to draw visitors from around the world.

Uber’s latest venture aligns with this trend by offering a modern twist on a traditional experience. The introduction of Uber Shikara not only enhances accessibility for tourists but also aims to uplift local tourism by integrating technology with cultural heritage.

The Broader Context of Uber’s Expansion

Uber has previously established its presence in Srinagar with cab services and now seeks to revolutionize how tourists experience boat rides on Dal Lake. This initiative reflects Uber’s strategy to diversify its offerings while tapping into unique local experiences that resonate with both domestic and international travelers.

Government Support

The launch has received positive feedback from local authorities. J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha congratulated stakeholders in the tourism sector on this innovative move and praised Uber for blending technology with tradition.

Conclusion

Uber’s entry into the boat-hailing market on Dal Lake represents a significant innovation in how traditional services can be modernized through technology. While reactions among Shikara operators vary, the potential benefits for local tourism and economic growth are noteworthy. As Kashmir continues to recover and grow as a tourist destination, initiatives like Uber Shikara could play a crucial role in enhancing visitor experiences while supporting local businesses. The success of this venture may pave the way for similar integrations of technology within traditional industries across India.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
4 Comments

4 Comments

  1. bonus di riferimento binance

    March 2, 2025 at 7:19 pm

    Can you be more specific about the content of your article? After reading it, I still have some doubts. Hope you can help me.

  2. 免費創建帳戶

    March 20, 2025 at 8:41 am

    Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.

  3. drover sointeru

    April 12, 2025 at 8:58 pm

    you may have an amazing weblog right here! would you prefer to make some invite posts on my blog?

  4. binance推薦碼

    May 5, 2025 at 3:36 am

    Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest News

Blissclub Raises INR 33 Crore in Fresh Funding Months After Layoffs

Published

on

Bliss_StartupStories

Blissclub, the women-centric D2C apparel brand, has raised INR 33 crore in a Pre-Series B funding round led by Elevation Capital, with Eight Roads Ventures also participating. This funding comes just three months after the company laid off 18% of its workforce-about 21 employees from creative, sales, marketing, growth, and product teams-due to high cash burn and challenges in securing new capital.

The latest investment was made through the allotment of 16,076 compulsory convertible preference shares (CCPS) at a premium of INR 20,428 each. Elevation Capital invested INR 19 crore, securing a 24.5% stake, while Eight Roads Ventures contributed INR 14 crore, raising its stake to 15.79%. The capital will be used for working capital, capital expenditure, and general corporate purposes.

Founded in 2020 by Minu Margeret, Blissclub started as an online activewear brand for women and has since diversified its product range and established offline stores. Despite recent restructuring, the company’s revenue grew 27% to INR 86.9 crore in FY24 from INR 68.3 crore in FY23, though net losses also increased to INR 43.9 crore.

Blissclub’s successful fundraising, despite recent layoffs, underscores both the ongoing challenges and the resilience of India’s D2C startup sector in a difficult funding environment.

 

Continue Reading

Latest News

Apple to Shift Entire US iPhone Assembly to India by 2026

Published

on

Apple - StartupStories

Apple is set to relocate all assembly of iPhones destined for the US market from China to India by the end of 2026, marking its biggest manufacturing shift in decades. The move is driven by escalating US-China trade tensions and steep tariffs—up to 145% on Chinese imports—making Chinese assembly increasingly costly for Apple. Although some smartphone imports are temporarily exempt, a 20% duty still applies to Chinese-made iPhones entering the US.

 

India, in contrast, offers a more favorable trade environment, with a paused 26% reciprocal tariff and ongoing negotiations for a bilateral trade deal with the US that could shield Indian exports from future levies. Apple plans to more than double its current iPhone output in India, aiming to assemble over 60 million units annually for the US market. The company already produces about 25% of its global iPhones in India, working with partners like Foxconn, Tata Electronics, and Pegatron.

 

This shift is part of Apple’s broader strategy to diversify its supply chain and reduce reliance on China amid geopolitical risks. However, the transition’s success will depend on how quickly India can scale up its manufacturing capabilities and the outcome of ongoing trade negotiations.


Continue Reading

Latest News

PhonePe’s PINCODE Launches 10-Minute Medicine Delivery in Cities

Published

on

PhonePe

PhonePe’s PINCODE app has launched a 24×7 online medicine delivery service in Bangalore, Mumbai, and Pune, promising delivery of both prescription and over-the-counter medicines within 10 minutes from nearby local medical shops. Unlike conventional e-pharmacies that use dark stores, PINCODE partners exclusively with neighborhood pharmacies, enabling faster deliveries and supporting local businesses in the digital economy.

Customers without prescriptions can select a “no prescription” option when ordering; a qualified doctor then provides a free teleconsultation and issues a digital prescription compliant with telemedicine guidelines, ensuring seamless access to medicines. The app offers competitive pricing by passing discounts from local pharmacies directly to customers and charges no delivery fees.

PINCODE’s hyperlocal model enhances healthcare accessibility and convenience while empowering local pharmacies, helping them remain integral to their communities and stimulating local economic growth. Launched in 2023, the app focuses on quick commerce with an emphasis on speed, reliability, and supporting local sellers.

In summary, PhonePe’s PINCODE app is transforming medicine delivery in major Indian cities by combining ultra-fast 10-minute delivery, free doctor consultations, and a hyperlocal sourcing model that benefits both consumers and neighborhood pharmacies.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Recent Posts

Advertisement