Gig workers struggle as quick commerce drops 10-minute delivery:Low pay, rising accidents and relentless pressure continue even after strikes and government intervention across platforms

Hot food, groceries and daily essentials at the doorstep within just ten minutes, this was the bold promise of India’s quick commerce platforms. Twelve days ago, on 13 January, this claim quietly disappeared from several apps following a delivery partners’ strike and government intervention. While companies have removed the ten-minute delivery claim, the hardships faced by gig workers continue unabated. Aam Aadmi Party MP Raghav Chadha highlighted these challenges by working as a delivery agent for a day and sharing his experience on social media. To understand the ground reality, Bhaskar spent an entire day with gig workers, including those who have suffered serious accidents while racing against time. A stopwatch looks at a gig worker’s day To understand how gig workers function under pressure, our team accompanied a delivery agent and recorded the process using a stopwatch. In total, 14 minutes and 26 seconds were spent picking up an order, delivering it, and returning for the next one. The exercise made one thing abundantly clear, every second matters. Delivery agents rush back immediately to secure the next order, as each delivery translates into a few more rupees. This constant urgency and pressure, workers say, is also the reason behind frequent road accidents. 6 stories that reveal the human cost 1. Officer dreams and part-time delivery Ramesh Singh (name changed), from Narsinghpur in Madhya Pradesh, came to Bhopal in 2019 dreaming of becoming an officer. Despite completing a Master’s degree in Political Science, financial constraints pushed ‘I belong to a farming family. I don’t want to burden them,’ he says. Ramesh has been working as a delivery agent since 1 December 2025, alongside exam preparation. 2. Accident that shattered a family’s backbone Jai Pawar, from Betul, works for Zomato and is the sole support for his elderly parents. One evening, while rushing to take another order, he lost control of his motorcycle and crashed into a divider. His leg was severely injured, three fingers were fractured, and today he is unable to walk properly. 3. MBA dreams parked, reality on 2 wheels Pawan Soni, from Sehore, dreamt of an MBA and a corporate career. However, responsibility intervened. His 60-year-old father drives an auto, and household expenses fell on Pawan. He travels daily to Bhopal and works 11–12 hours.’If it’s a good day, I earn ₹1,000. Most days, after fuel costs, I’m left with ₹400–₹500,’ he says. Earlier, companies paid for the waiting time between orders. That has now stopped. ‘Waiting is part of the job. Why is it unpaid?’ he asks. 4. Working in secrecy, studies at risk Deepak Pawar, from Betul, is pursuing graduation at MVM College, Bhopal. His family does not know he works as a gig delivery agent. ‘I only get money for food and living from home. I started this to fulfil my needs,’ he says. However, the job is now affecting his studies. 5. ‘If we listen to small problems, when will we work?’ Dhanraj Katakwar, a Zomato delivery partner supporting a family of five, met with an accident while delivering an order from MP Nagar. He suffered serious injuries to his shoulder and arm, and his year-old vehicle was badly damaged. ‘The company didn’t help at all, no medical support, no vehicle repair,’ he says. When he complained, his in-charge replied, ‘If we listen to your small problems, when will we work?’ 6. Women behind the wheel, facing bias and burden The struggle is not limited to men. Shraddha (name changed), from Bhopal, works as a cab driver. Her husband, also a driver, taught her to drive. She drops her children at school, works through the day, and returns home before evening. Despite this, earnings remain insufficient. She also faces ride cancellations after passengers see a female driver. Why gig workers went on strike ? Union leaders and experts cite five major reasons behind the recent strike- Government draft offers a ray of hope The central government has released a draft under the Social Security Code 2020, aimed at covering 1.27 crore gig workers. Eligibility conditions Proposed benefits Whether these measures translate into real relief remains to be seen. For now, gig workers continue to ride against time and risk every day.