As extreme summer temperatures continue to grip Delhi and several parts of North India, thousands of gig workers are struggling to balance survival, health and income.

Delivery executives working across food delivery, grocery and courier platforms say the intense heatwave has created a difficult situation where they are forced to choose between:

• Protecting their health
  or
• Continuing work to maintain earnings

With temperatures rising sharply during peak afternoon hours, many workers are reporting falling incomes, dehydration, fever and physical exhaustion.

The crisis has once again highlighted the harsh realities faced by India’s growing gig economy workforce.

Heatwave Makes Daily Work Extremely Difficult

Outdoor workers are among the worst affected during severe summer conditions.

Gig workers spend long hours on roads delivering food parcels, groceries and packages while being directly exposed to:

• Extreme sunlight
• Hot winds
• Traffic pollution
• Dehydration risks

For many workers, avoiding the heat entirely is simply not financially possible.

Earnings Fall During Extreme Heat

One of the biggest concerns raised by workers is the sharp drop in income during intense heatwave days.

A 20-year-old delivery executive in Delhi explained that on normal days, he could earn around:

• ₹1,000 to ₹1,200 daily

However, during extreme heat conditions, earnings often collapse to:

• ₹200 to ₹300

This happens because workers are forced to:

• Pause frequently
• Rest under shade
• Reduce the number of deliveries
• Avoid peak afternoon exposure

Incentive-Based Work Creates Pressure

Many app-based delivery platforms operate using incentive systems.

Workers often receive additional earnings if they:

• Complete more deliveries
• Deliver faster
• Work during peak hours

But heatwaves make achieving these targets extremely difficult.

Workers say slowing down for health reasons directly affects:

• Incentives
• Bonuses
• Overall daily income

Health Problems Becoming Common

Gig workers report that falling sick during summer has become increasingly common.

Many workers mentioned symptoms such as:

• Fever
• Body pain
• Severe fatigue
• Dehydration
• Dry throat
• Heat exhaustion

Long hours outdoors combined with insufficient rest create dangerous working conditions.

Taking Breaks Means Financial Loss

Unlike salaried employees, most gig workers are paid based on completed tasks.

This means taking breaks often results in immediate financial losses.

Workers explained that:

• Resting reduces delivery counts
• Delayed deliveries lower incentives
• Shorter work hours reduce overall earnings

As a result, many continue working despite physical discomfort.

Centre Issues Heatwave Advisory

The Central government recently issued a heatwave advisory asking organisations and States to adopt protective measures for workers and labourers.

The advisory recommended steps such as:

• Ensuring hydration
• Providing shaded rest areas
• Avoiding peak afternoon exposure
• Increasing awareness regarding heat-related illness

However, workers say implementation on the ground remains limited.

Gig Workers Feel Overlooked

Many delivery executives believe gig workers are often excluded from labour protection systems.

Unlike formal employees, gig workers usually lack:

• Fixed salaries
• Paid sick leave
• Health insurance security
• Workplace safety guarantees

This makes them especially vulnerable during extreme weather conditions.

Delhi Heatwaves Becoming More Severe

Climate experts have repeatedly warned that Indian summers are becoming hotter and longer because of climate change.

Delhi has witnessed:

• Rising average temperatures
• Longer heatwave periods
• Increased humidity stress
• Dangerous afternoon heat levels

Outdoor workers are among the most exposed groups.

Heat And Productivity Linked Directly

Extreme heat not only affects health but also reduces physical productivity.

Delivery workers say they struggle to maintain speed because:

• Continuous riding becomes exhausting
• Heat drains energy rapidly
• Traffic exposure increases fatigue

This directly affects platform ratings and earnings.

Many Workers Cannot Afford To Stop

Despite health risks, many gig workers continue working because they support entire families through daily earnings.

Several workers are migrants or economically vulnerable individuals who depend on daily cash flow for:

• Rent
• Food
• Transport
• Family expenses

Missing work even for one day can create financial stress.

Gig Economy Expanding Rapidly In India

India’s gig economy has grown rapidly in recent years due to the expansion of:

• Food delivery apps
• E-commerce platforms
• Ride-hailing services
• Quick commerce businesses

Millions now depend on platform-based work for income.

However, worker welfare protections are still evolving.

No Fixed Working Hours

Another challenge is the absence of structured work schedules.

Many delivery workers work:

• 10 to 14 hours daily
• Across peak afternoon heat
• Without guaranteed rest periods

Long exposure to extreme temperatures increases health risks significantly.

Demand Often Rises During Summer

Ironically, customer demand for deliveries often rises during hot weather because people prefer staying indoors.

This increases pressure on gig workers to continue operating despite dangerous conditions.

Peak demand periods usually coincide with the hottest hours of the day.

Need For Better Worker Protection

Labour experts and activists argue that stronger protections are urgently required for gig workers during extreme weather conditions.

Suggested measures include:

• Heat allowances
• Mandatory rest breaks
• Insurance coverage
• Emergency medical support
• Access to cooling stations

Platforms Also Face Responsibility

Questions are increasingly being raised regarding the role of delivery platforms.

Critics argue companies should introduce:

• Flexible delivery targets
• Heat-sensitive scheduling
• Emergency support systems
• Health safeguards

Balancing business efficiency with worker safety is becoming an important issue.

Climate Change Intensifying Labour Risks

The challenges faced by gig workers also reflect a larger climate change problem.

Rising temperatures are affecting millions of outdoor workers including:

• Construction labourers
• Delivery executives
• Street vendors
• Traffic police personnel

Heat-related economic and health risks are growing across sectors.

Mental Stress Also Increasing

Apart from physical exhaustion, workers also face emotional and mental stress.

Constant pressure to:

• Earn enough money
• Maintain app ratings
• Meet delivery deadlines

combined with extreme weather creates severe anxiety for many workers.

Calls For Policy Reforms Growing

Experts are increasingly demanding formal labour policies specifically designed for gig economy workers.

Such reforms may include:

• Social security benefits
• Health protections
• Heat safety regulations
• Paid emergency leave

The issue is gaining national attention as platform-based employment expands.

Public Awareness Rising Slowly

Consumers are also becoming more aware of the conditions faced by delivery workers during heatwaves.

Some customers have begun:

• Offering water
• Allowing short rest breaks
• Expressing support online

However, broader systemic solutions remain necessary.

India’s Urban Workforce Under Pressure

The situation highlights the growing vulnerability of urban informal workers in India’s rapidly changing economy.

While digital platforms have created employment opportunities, worker protection frameworks have not always kept pace.

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