Gig Workers Under Heat Stress: Amazon Launches ‘Project Ashray’, Zomato, Zepto Add Cooling Support

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.