Amazon India Makes Waves with Groundbreaking Floating Store on Dal Lake

Monday, July 31, 2023 7:47 AM UTC

Amazon India is reshaping the e-commerce landscape with its novel floating store on Dal Lake in Srinagar, Kashmir. This innovative venture, part of their 'I Have Space' program, enhances delivery efficiency and fortifies local commerce by integrating the region's houseboat community into its robust delivery network.

The floating store is part of Amazon India's 'I Have Space' last-mile delivery program, which harnesses local resources to ensure quick and seamless delivery within a 2 to 4-kilometer radius. The program revolutionizes the delivery process by addressing the final step in the supply chain.

Heading the operations of the floating store is Murtaza Khan Kashi, the owner of the houseboat Select Town. With his daily deliveries to other houseboats on the lake, Kashi plays a crucial role in expanding Amazon's delivery network while creating income opportunities for small businesses.

Previously, residents and businesses around Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake had to rely on shikaras or nearby shops to receive their Amazon packages. Thanks to the floating store and Murtaza's efforts, packages are now personally delivered to customers' doorsteps, providing a hassle-free experience.

Since its launch in early June, the floating store has become a dependable delivery source for regional customers. Karuna Shankar Pande, the Director of Amazon Logistics in India, recognizes the store's potential to offer swift and efficient deliveries.

Pande emphasizes that India's first floating 'I Have Space' store on Dal Lake reaffirms Amazon India's commitment to creating meaningful opportunities and introducing new capabilities to enhance its delivery network.

The 'I Have Space' program, initiated in 2015, collaborates with local stores and business owners to deliver products within a 2 to 4-kilometer radius of their store. Amazon partners with over 28,000 neighborhood and kirana stores across close to 420 towns and cities in India.

This pioneering step transforms delivery systems in Srinagar and sets a new precedent for e-commerce operations in India. It exemplifies Amazon India's dedication to innovation and creating a seamless delivery experience for customers nationwide.

Photo: Bryan Angelo /Unsplash