As India experiences an intense heatwave, delivery workers—often at the frontlines of the gig economy—are feeling the brunt of the extreme temperatures. The summer heat in urban areas like Delhi has reached new highs, and for gig workers, it is more than just an inconvenience. The temperature can reach as high as 43°C, which is difficult to endure for long hours, especially while performing physical tasks like delivering food, groceries, and e-commerce parcels. For workers like Pawan Kumar, who work across West Delhi for quick commerce platforms, the harsh reality of working in extreme heat has become an everyday struggle.

The Strain of Heat on Gig Workers

Pawan Kumar, 32, a delivery worker, describes his typical day: “I carry an extra bottle of water and try to park under some shade near parks or buildings between orders,” he says. However, he adds that during peak summer hours with over 20-25 deliveries, finding time to rest is nearly impossible. This reflects a bigger issue many gig workers are facing across India’s rapidly growing digital economy.

Rising Temperatures, Rising Concerns for Delivery Platforms

Delivery platforms, which are vital to India’s digital economy, are coming under increasing pressure to protect their frontline workers—many of whom are independent contractors—from the scorching heat. Companies have begun taking proactive steps to ensure the safety of their workers, who often lack job security, health benefits, or consistent access to relief from the extreme weather.

Measures Taken by Major Delivery Platforms

Leading gig platforms such as Eternal, which owns Zomato and Blinkit, are taking concrete actions to help workers stay cool during the summer. The company has expanded its “Shelters Project” across India, with over 2,500 designated rest points. These shelters offer not only drinking water but also shaded seating and clean washrooms. In addition, the platform sends real-time weather alerts and in-app safety tips to delivery partners. The company has also introduced full-sleeve dry-fit T-shirts, which help workers cope with the heat better.

Other platforms like Zepto are adopting a hub-based approach by transforming dark stores into recovery zones. These hubs are strategically located near delivery areas and are equipped with air coolers, refreshments, and washrooms. The company has also partnered with Fast&Up to distribute hydration supplements across over 80 cities. Zepto provides flexible work schedules and enhanced incentives during peak heat hours to ensure workers can manage their workloads without overexertion.

Meanwhile, Amazon has introduced 100 “Ashray” centres across India, which provide air-conditioned rest areas equipped with water, mobile charging stations, and first-aid services. The company’s heat-readiness toolkit includes route planning that considers weather conditions, electrolyte distribution, heat index monitoring, and dedicated medical support. Flipkart has followed suit with its own set of initiatives that include hydration kits, climate-controlled rest areas, and staggered shifts to accommodate workers in the extreme heat.

Challenges Despite the Efforts

Although these initiatives are a step in the right direction, many gig workers continue to report significant gaps in access to relief. A 2024 survey by the Indian Federation of App-based Transport Workers (IFAT) revealed that over 50% of gig workers experienced symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and 40% lacked access to cold, clean drinking water. Additionally, the survey showed that a significant portion of workers lacked access to basic facilities like clean washrooms.

Shaik Salauddin, the National General Secretary of IFAT, pointed out that although companies have announced various initiatives, workers often don’t have the time or information to make use of them. “The infrastructure sounds good on paper,” he said, “but workers often don’t have the time or the knowledge to access these facilities.”

Gig workers also face the ongoing issue of performance-linked pay. With delivery targets in place, many riders feel they cannot afford to take breaks that would help alleviate the physical toll of working in extreme heat. The trade-off between heat safety and earnings has created a dilemma for many workers. “Flexibility is only meaningful if riders can afford to slow down,” Salauddin added.

The Shift in Worker Welfare Efforts

However, there seems to be a noticeable shift this summer in how companies are addressing occupational heat stress. The use of technology to improve the work environment has increased significantly. Platforms are sending real-time weather alerts, optimizing routes to avoid extreme heat zones, and providing hydration supplements for workers.

Even though these measures are in place, gig workers remain vulnerable due to the informal nature of their employment. Local execution, platform accountability, and scaling protections beyond tier 1 cities will determine the overall effectiveness of these initiatives.

The Long-Term Implications of Rising Heat

As climate change causes temperatures to rise across the globe, the issue of heat stress for gig workers is becoming more pressing. Summer heat is no longer just a seasonal inconvenience; it is a structural challenge for the gig economy. In order to survive and thrive in such an environment, companies will need to do more than offer water bottles and weather alerts.

Ensuring equitable access to rest zones, empowering workers to take meaningful breaks without the fear of losing income, and embedding health protections into the very core of gig work could determine the future of India’s digital economy. As the summer of 2024 continues, companies will need to refine their efforts and ensure that worker welfare isn’t just a box they tick but a priority that aligns with the well-being of their delivery partners.

In conclusion, while gig workers and delivery platforms continue to adapt to the harsh summer conditions, the challenge lies in creating a sustainable, worker-friendly environment that goes beyond temporary relief measures. The growing pressure from gig worker unions and public scrutiny could be the catalyst needed for long-lasting change.

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