Given the heat wave in many regions across the nation and temperatures going up past 40 degrees Celsius, the issue of millions of gig workers employed by e-commerce businesses is in the spotlight again. Delivery drivers riding motorcycles in urban areas are more prone to suffer from heat strokes because of these conditions during summer.

In order to fulfill their targets, they end up operating in extreme heat. Moreover, there is limited access to safe drinking water and shades along their route. To alleviate the suffering of these frontline workers, large e-commerce giants such as Amazon, Zomato, Swiggy, and Zepto have taken some special steps.

Under "Project Ashray," Amazon has launched 100 air-conditioned rest centers in major cities, equipped with seating, toilets, and first aid facilities. According to the company, these centers can also be used by delivery personnel from other companies. The company stated that more than 150,000 delivery personnel receive clean drinking water, mobile charging, and first aid facilities at these centers each month. Additionally, health check-up camps are being organized across the country, where doctors advise them on heat management. Similarly, Zomato, in collaboration with its restaurant partners and other companies, has created more than 5,000 rest centers with shade and water.

Zomato and Blinkit are also providing treatment facilities, including hospitalization. Zomato and Blinkit's delivery personnel are covered under a health insurance scheme, including treatment facilities and hospitalization. BigBasket has created rest areas at its centers, equipped with seating, ventilation, and drinking water. Fast-track commerce company Zepto is upgrading its warehouses and centers, installing coolers and heat protection measures. According to the company, drinking water, toilets, and rest facilities are available at all centers, and insurance is also provided for illnesses such as heatstroke and dehydration. Some companies are also working on wearable relief devices. Swiggy and others have provided special cooling jackets that can temporarily reduce body temperature.