In Jammu and Kashmir, the waterfront near Srinagar has begun to look like Venice thanks to the newly-launched water taxis. They are expected to ease road traffic on the one hand and luring in more tourists on the other.The taxis have been launched on the Jhelum to ferry office goers who want to avoid traffic snarls. The eight-seaters will run from Lal Chowk zero bridge to Chattabal, a distance of 16 km.The water taxis will not only ease Srinagar's traffic congestion but a sail on the river Jhelum can also give a peek at the city that it was. The journey gives the passengers a magnificent view of Kashmir's synergetic culture with its many Sufi shrines and temples.According to Divisional Commissioner Asghar Samoon, a one way trip now costs 60 rupees per person but locals hope the fare will be brought down once the service gets popular.