E-Commerce Giants Roll Out Heatwave Safeguards For Delivery Workers Across India
Companies introduce rest hubs, cooling gear, and health support as delivery workers face extreme heatwave conditions.
As severe heatwaves continue to grip large parts of the country, pushing temperatures beyond 40 degrees Celsius, major e-commerce and food delivery platforms are rolling out measures to safeguard millions of gig workers who remain exposed to extreme conditions. Delivery partners, who form the backbone of India’s fast-growing quick-commerce ecosystem, are particularly vulnerable as they navigate congested city streets during peak afternoon hours.
Bound by strict algorithm-driven delivery timelines, these workers often operate with limited access to shaded rest areas or clean drinking water, increasing their risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. The growing scrutiny over working conditions in the gig economy has prompted companies to introduce interventions aimed at reducing these occupational hazards during the harsh summer months.
Amazon has launched ‘Project Ashray’, establishing a network of 100 air-conditioned rest hubs across major cities. These facilities provide seating, washrooms, drinking water, charging stations, and first-aid services. According to the company, the centres cater to over 150,000 delivery personnel each month, including workers not affiliated with Amazon. The initiative also includes nationwide medical camps offering preventive health check-ups and guidance on recognising early signs of heat-related illnesses.
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Meanwhile, Zomato has partnered with restaurants, TVS Motor Company, and Shell plc to set up more than 5,000 rest points offering shade and hydration. Delivery workers associated with Zomato and its quick-commerce arm Blinkit are also covered under expanded health insurance plans, including hospitalisation and outpatient care. Similarly, bigbasket has introduced designated rest areas at its stores, along with hydration supplies such as electrolyte drinks.
Quick-commerce startup Zepto is enhancing its infrastructure by installing air coolers, shaded waiting zones, and heat-reflective roofing at its dark stores. The company has also ensured access to indoor resting spaces, drinking water, and washrooms, alongside insurance coverage for heat-related illnesses. Executives say these measures are intended to provide immediate relief to riders during order wait times and reduce prolonged exposure to extreme heat.
Other platforms, including Flipkart and Swiggy, are experimenting with wearable cooling solutions such as specialised jackets and vests that use evaporative cooling technology. Companies are also distributing summer kits containing oral rehydration salts and glucose supplements, while expanding telemedicine services like “Doctor on Call” and in-store consultations. As climate conditions intensify, such initiatives highlight the increasing need for systemic protections for gig workers operating on the frontlines of India’s digital economy.
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