As the nation braces for a blistering summer, companies are redoubling efforts to shield their frontline delivery workers from the intensifying heat. With the Indian Meteorological Department forecasting above-normal temperatures across vast swathes of the country, from the Central plains to Eastern and Northwestern regions, corporate India is rallying to offer protection, relief and dignity to its gig economy workforce.
Industry giants, including Amazon, Flipkart and Eternal, are implementing comprehensive measures to counteract the debilitating effects of heatwaves. These range from routine health screenings to detect early symptoms of heatstroke, to expanding networks of rest stations in urban centres where delivery executives can seek respite. Collaborations with local vendors have been initiated to provide hydrating beverages like buttermilk and electrolyte drinks, while lightweight uniforms and sun caps are being distributed as standard gear.
This month, Amazon unveiled its initiative to establish 100 Ashray centres, air-conditioned rest hubs outfitted with seating, clean drinking water, tea and coffee, washroom amenities, first aid kits, and mobile charging stations. Notably, these facilities are open to all delivery personnel, regardless of their affiliation. "We also use technology to optimise route planning, taking inputs like weather into account and factoring in seamlessly integrated breaks for a better experience for our delivery associates/partners," an Amazon spokesperson said. "Cold water dispensers and electrolytes are available throughout our buildings, including driver rest rooms, and everyone is encouraged to take preventive cool-down breaks as needed."
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Eternal, the parent entity of Blinkit and Zomato, has rapidly scaled its Shelters Project, pushing the number of rest points to over 2,500 nationwide. These shelters offer comfortable seating, mobile charging ports and sanitary washroom facilities, serving a wide pool of gig workers beyond just Eternal's own platforms. With over 4,80,000 and 1,40,000 active monthly delivery partners for Zomato and Blinkit respectively, this infrastructure is proving vital.
"To address any health/medical emergency, an ambulance and 24x7 SOS support have been made available in 800+ cities for all delivery partners onboarded on our platforms for immediate and prompt assistance, if needed," said a spokesperson. Eternal has also ensured comprehensive medical insurance, offering ₹1 lakh in-patient cover and ₹5,000 for out-patient services at no additional cost to delivery partners.
This surge in corporate action follows an advisory from the Ministry of Labour and Employment, urging states and union territories to adopt proactive measures. These include rescheduling work hours and evaluating the necessity of physical labour during peak midday heat to shield workers from harm.
According to Deepesh Gupta, Director-General Staffing at Adecco, companies are going beyond mere hydration and first aid. “Some companies are also shifting work hours to avoid the hottest part of the day—typically between 12 pm and 3 pm—and, where possible, implementing rotational shifts or shorter routes to limit exposure,” he said.
Flipkart, for instance, is conducting periodic medical checks and equipping workers with knowledge on heatstroke symptoms and first aid. Cooling zones—complete with fans, air mist coolers and chiller pads—are being set up at high-traffic locations. A company spokesperson confirmed that contingency plans are also in place, including shift alterations and support systems to manage operational disruptions during extreme heat events.
The gig economy, pivotal to India's employment and digital infrastructure, currently employs close to eight million delivery workers; a number projected to triple within the next five years. Yeshab Giri, Chief Commercial Officer at Randstad India, highlighted the critical nature of these interventions:
"Ensuring the safety and dignity of this frontline workforce has become both a moral and operational imperative," he stated. "As this workforce scales further, such interventions will become the baseline for trust and retention in the gig economy."
In the face of an unforgiving summer, corporate India appears to be signalling that climate resilience and worker welfare must now go hand in hand.
Insights from agencies
