Industry executives said companies such as Amazon, Flipkart and Eternal are conducting regular check-ups and screenings to identify early signs of heatstroke, increasing the number of rest stops across cities for delivery workers to get a respite from the heat, tying up with local vendors to offer hydrating drinks such as buttermilk and electronic tes, and distributing heat protection gear like lightweight uniforms and sun caps.
Delivery partners are the first to suffer from extreme weather conditions, covering insurance policies that include treatment for hot reading and related illnesses, and provide emergency support through hotline services and on-site assistance.
India’s Meteorological Ministry said that from April to June, India will face more heatwave days than usual, with central, eastern and northwestern plains expected to experience more heatwave days.
This month, Amazon announced plans to open 100 Ashray centers – an air-conditioned rest station that will provide companies with comfortable seating, clean drinking water, tea/coffee, restroom facilities, first aid stations and mobile charging stations, delivering employees and partners across companies, not just companies serving Amazon.
“We also use technology to optimize route planning, consider investments like weather, and consider providing a better experience for our delivery staff/partners during a seamlessly integrated break,” an Amazon spokesperson said. “Water chillers and electrolytes are available in our buildings, including driver lounges, and everyone is encouraged to have preventive and calm breaks as needed.”
Eternal, the parent company of Blinkit and Zomato, doubled its “sanctuary project” and occupied its rest points in 2500 times in India. These lounge points are equipped with comfortable seating, mobile charging points and clean restroom facilities, designed to support the entire gig economy and delivery partners among a variety of companies. Zomato and Blinkit have approximately 480,000 and 140,000 monthly active delivery partners, respectively.
An company spokesperson said: “To resolve any health/medical emergencies, ambulance and 24×7 SOS support are provided to all delivery partners in over 800 cities to provide immediate and timely assistance on our platform if needed.”
All active delivery partners are also covered by IPD (Inpatient Department), covering up to Rs 1 lakh and OPD (Surgeon) covering up to Rs 5,000 for professional medical support without additional fees.
Earlier this week, the Ministry of Labor and Employment sent an consultation with the chief secretary of the state and union territory to take positive measures, including rescheduling work hours and assessing the urgency of peak hours during peak hours to minimize the impact of heat waves on workers and leisure workers across the country.
Adecco director Gupta said the company hopes not only to improve working conditions during peak summers, but also to improve working conditions during peak summers.
“Some companies are also shifting work hours to avoid the hottest parts of the day – usually between 12pm and 3pm – and when possible, implement rotation shifts or shorter routes to limit exposure.”
Others like Flipkart are undergoing regular health checks, providing training on stroke awareness and first aid. A company spokesperson said cooling areas with fans, aerosol coolers and cold water pads were set up in key locations to ensure comfort.
The e-commerce company has also developed a contingency plan to protect its delivery executives, including temporary shift adjustments and labor support, to effectively manage extreme calorie conditions.
Yeshab Giri, chief business officer of professional business solutions at talent company Randstad India, said the gig economy is at the heart of employment and liquidity in India, and delivery executives represent an important aspect of India’s digital growth story.
Currently, India has nearly 8 million delivery workers powering last-mile logistics, with the figure expected to triple over the next five years. “Ensure the safety and dignity of this frontline workforce has become an ethical and operational necessity,” Gilli said. “As this workforce develops further, this intervention will serve as a benchmark for trust and retention in the gig economy.”
