As large parts of India continue to grapple with severe heatwave conditions, Zomato and Blinkit have introduced a fresh set of measures aimed at protecting delivery partners working in extreme temperatures.
Both companies, which operate under the Eternal group, said the latest interventions are intended to strengthen existing safeguards and improve health, safety and working conditions for gig workers during the summer months.
The measures combine expanded insurance cover, emergency assistance, weather alerts and access to on-ground support infrastructure.
Enhanced insurance protection
Under the revised health cover, delivery partners will receive OPD reimbursement of up to ₹5,000. The insurance package also includes IPD and day-care coverage of up to ₹1 lakh. The policy further provides personal accident insurance of ₹10 lakh in the event of accidental death. The companies said delivery partners and their families—including spouses and children—will also have access to teleconsultation and online medical services, with the premium fully borne by the company.
Emergency support built into apps
For medical emergencies, delivery partners can access ambulance services and round-the-clock SOS assistance through a dedicated emergency button available on the Zomato and Blinkit delivery partner applications.
Real-time weather monitoring
The companies said they are using a weather intelligence system to monitor seasonal conditions across India. Based on this, delivery partners receive real-time in-app alerts and safety advisories to help them manage work during periods of extreme heat.
Appeal to customers
During heatwave periods, customers using the platforms are being encouraged to support delivery partners by offering drinking water and considering tips as a gesture of appreciation.
Blinkit strengthens on-ground support
Blinkit said it has upgraded its dark stores with heat-relief facilities such as pedestal fans, air coolers, seating arrangements and water dispensers. The company is also distributing more than 1.5 lakh glucose sachets every day to delivery partners.
Doctor@Store scaled up
Blinkit’s Doctor@Store programme, which offers free consultations and treatment to delivery partners and their families, has now been expanded to cover nearly 50 per cent of its dark stores. The service was initially launched in select locations. The company said it has already facilitated more than 1.5 lakh consultations and plans to widen coverage further.
Zomato expands rest points nationwide
Zomato said it has partnered with restaurants across the country to provide delivery partners access to more than 5,000 rest points. These locations offer basic amenities including drinking water, shade, seating and washroom access. The company has also tied up with TVS Motor Company and Shell to extend access to select service stations and fuel pumps, allowing delivery partners across platforms to use these facilities.
Cooling gear at lower prices
Zomato is also making cooling gear available at subsidised rates through its delivery partner app. Among the products on offer are lightweight sunscreen jackets with UPF 50+ protection, aimed at helping reduce heat exposure during long hours on the road.
The announcements reflect a wider focus on worker welfare in India’s gig economy as rising temperatures and increasingly frequent heatwaves place additional pressure on outdoor workers. With heat conditions expected to remain intense, such measures are likely to play an important role in protecting delivery partners while ensuring uninterrupted service delivery.
