Uber Launches Services in Nepal, Expanding Presence in South Asia

Kathmandu, June 5: American ride-hailing giant Uber officially launched its services in Nepal on Friday. This marks Nepal as Uber’s first new market in South Asia in the past decade.

The company had initiated test operations in the Kathmandu Valley last month and announced the formal launch during an event held in Kathmandu.

Nepal becomes the 11th market for Uber in the Asia-Pacific region. The company believes that South Asia plays a crucial role in its global expansion strategy.

The ride-hailing market in Nepal already has competitors like Pathao, InDrive, and Yango, alongside various local service providers.

Dominic Taylor, the regional general manager of Uber’s rides division for the Asia-Pacific region, stated that being a global brand gives Uber a competitive edge in Nepal. He mentioned that international travelers arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport can directly use Uber services to reach their hotels or destinations.

Taylor described Nepal as a rapidly developing market, highlighting the increasing use of digital technology, rising urban transportation needs, and a robust tourism industry as factors creating new opportunities.

He remarked, “Nepal is our first new market in South Asia in the last ten years. This is a significant milestone in our growth journey, and we are excited to be part of Nepal’s transportation ecosystem.”

Chela Bliss, the acting deputy chief of mission at the U.S. Embassy in Nepal, noted that Uber’s investment and service launch symbolize the country’s development journey and trust in the Nepalese people.

She added that American companies are strengthening the digital transformation process in Nepal by providing new technologies, more options for consumers, and job opportunities.

Currently, Uber offers Uber Go and Uber Comfort for four-wheeled vehicles, while Uber Bike services are available for two-wheelers in Nepal.

Uber stated that Nepal is now part of its global network, which spans over 70 countries, allowing passengers to travel across various countries and cities using a single app.

It is noteworthy that Uber’s services are already available in India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. The company is currently operating through fleet partners in Nepal and is working towards establishing a local entity in the future.