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India's Gig Workers: Speed Kills on the Road
28 Jan
Summary
- Delivery riders face deadly pressure to meet tight deadlines.
- Government intervened, asking platforms to stop 10-minute delivery promises.
- Riders work without social security or minimum wages.
- Accidents leading to death are often not reported as workplace fatalities.
India's booming quick commerce sector, fueled by a demand for instant gratification, has placed delivery riders in a perilous race against time. Despite a government directive in early January 2026 to halt '10-minute delivery' promises, riders continue to face immense pressure to deliver at breakneck speeds. This relentless competition, driven by algorithmic payouts and star ratings, has led to a tragic increase in road accidents, often resulting in rider fatalities that go unreported as workplace deaths.
The quick commerce model, which expanded rapidly after the pandemic, relies on a vast network of gig workers. While the sector generated $7 billion in gross orders in the last financial year, experts highlight the stark reality for riders: long hours, exposure to extreme weather and toxic air, and a lack of social security or minimum wages. The government's intervention, while a welcome step, is seen by many as largely superficial, with delivery times still often under 10 minutes in practice.
