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

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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.

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Zoho Pay Debuts as India’s New UPI Challenger, Taking on PhonePe, Paytm, and Google Pay

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Zoho Payment

Zoho Corporation has expanded its fintech portfolio with the launch of Zoho Pay, a UPI-based payments app built to challenge India’s top digital payment giants such as PhonePe, Paytm, and Google Pay. The new app supports peer-to-peer transfers, bill payments, QR-based transactions, and merchant settlements in a streamlined interface. Available as both a standalone app and an integrated feature inside Zoho’s privacy-driven messenger Arattai, Zoho Pay enables users to handle chats and payments in one platform, emphasizing data privacy and Made-in-India innovation.​

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In the competitive digital payments market, Zoho Pay differentiates itself through its tight business software integration with apps like Zoho Books, Zoho Payroll, and Zoho Commerce, offering small businesses unified access to payments, billing, and accounting. The company is also expanding its reach with POS devices for merchants featuring UPI QR, card payments, and instant reconciliation tools. With founder Sridhar Vembu’s vision of a ‘Chat + Pay’ ecosystem, Zoho Pay reflects a bold step toward redefining India’s fintech scene with a secure, ad-free, and locally developed alternative to global payment platforms.

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Meta Expands AI-Powered Reels Translation to Hindi and Portuguese, Enhancing Global Creator Reach

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Dunzo’s Collapse: Reliance’s ₹1,645 Crore Loss Signals Challenges in India’s Hyperlocal Delivery Market

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Startup Stories

Reliance Industries has officially written off its $200 million investment in Dunzo, a once promising quick-commerce startup in India. Despite high-profile backing and the potential to disrupt the hyperlocal delivery sector, Dunzo faced insurmountable challenges including high operational costs, unsustainable cash burn, and stiff competition from larger players like Zepto and Blinkit. Reliance’s decision follows Dunzo’s operational suspension, leadership exits, and failed attempts at securing additional funding or acquisition partners, ultimately resulting in the company’s digital platforms going offline in early 2025.​

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Reliance’s write-off sends a strong message to India’s startup ecosystem about the risks inherent in quick-commerce and hyperlocal delivery models. Investors are increasingly focused on sustainable growth, disciplined scaling, and profitability. For Reliance, lessons from Dunzo’s collapse are shaping future e-commerce strategies, driving greater emphasis on operational efficiency and prudent financial planning in an intensely competitive market.

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